The SPL Journal of Literary Hermeneutics: A Biannual International Journal of Independent Critical Thinking

Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper”: Role of Emotional Health in Women’s Empowerment and Self-Actualization

Manjari Johri — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: This paper aims to demonstrate that women can achieve a balanced and fulfilling life by prioritizing their physical and mental health alongside a successful career, economic independence, and civil rights. It highlights the importance of holistic self-care for women’s empowerment and self-actualization.

Methodology and Approaches: The study uses Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s short story The Yellow Wallpaper (1892) to contextualize and foreground the neglect of women’s emotional health by caregivers. The analysis is supported by insights from Sichel and Driscoll’s Women’s Moods (1999) and Christiane Northrup’s Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom (2010), alongside Abraham Maslow’s Theory of Human Motivation (2017), originally propounded in 1943. These sources collectively argue that women’s empowerment extends beyond external achievements to include attention to emotional and psychological well-being.

Outcome: The findings emphasize that despite progress made through the Four Waves of Feminism, many women globally continue to suffer from physical and emotional health complications. They struggle with feelings of inadequacy, unregulated emotional states, and the need for social validation. Societal pressures on youth, beauty, appearance, and fulfilling multiple roles exacerbate these challenges.

Conclusion and Suggestions: The Feminist Movement and Women’s Liberation have underscored the need for giving women agency through legal rights and social recalibration. However, true empowerment requires equal focus on mental and emotional health. The study suggests that through holistic self-care and balanced attention to emotional well-being, women can achieve self-actualization, empowerment, and a more integrated life.

Cultural Hegemony and Systemic Intolerance: Mapping the Politics of Exclusion in The God of Small Things

Rusav Kumar Sahu, Krishna Pratap Singh — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: This paper examines Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things through the lens of cultural hegemony and systemic intolerance, analyzing how the novel portrays various forms of social exclusion within Kerala's socio-cultural landscape. The research aims to map the intersecting hierarchies of caste, gender, and class that perpetuate systems of oppression and marginalization in postcolonial India.

Methodology and Approach: The study employs a critical analysis framework combining postcolonial theory and cultural studies. Through close textual analysis of the novel, supported by secondary scholarly sources, this research examines key scenes and character relationships that illuminate patterns of social exclusion.

Outcome: The analysis reveals how Roy masterfully depicts the intricate web of social oppression through multiple narrative threads. The study particularly highlights how the novel's non-linear narrative structure mirrors the fragmented experiences of characters struggling against systemic intolerance.

Conclusion and recommendation: Future research should explore comparative analyses of Roy's work with other postcolonial texts addressing similar themes of cultural hegemony. Additionally, scholars should investigate how Roy's portrayal of systemic intolerance in Kerala can inform broader discussions of social justice in contemporary India. The study recommends examining the novel's relevance to current debates on gender equality and caste discrimination in Indian society.

Mapping the History, Different Dimensions and Interpretation of Art in India with Special Reference to Painting

Mukesh Kumar, Riddhima Yadav — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: To explore the history, dimensions, and interpretations of Indian art, with a focus on painting, analyzing its evolution, spiritual essence, and cultural significance. The study aims to highlight Indian art's historical and symbolic aspects and its impact on identity and society.

Methodology and Approaches: The research examines Indian painting through its spiritual, emotional, and aesthetic aspects, incorporating historical contexts and artistic philosophy. The study explores various painting styles, such as Mithila, Rajasthani, and Himachal, tracing their origins, themes, and symbolic representations

Outcome: Indian art is found to reflect spirituality, ritualistic traditions, and socio-cultural narratives. It retains its relevance by blending ancient motifs with contemporary themes. Paintings such as Mithila and Rajasthani embody deep cultural symbolism, while post-independence art reveals political, feminist, and autobiographical dimensions. The study also identifies commercialization’s dual impact, fostering global recognition but risking the erosion of indigenous identity.

Conclusion and Suggestions: Indian art is a repository of tradition, spirituality, and socio-political expression. Misinterpretations arise from applying Western frameworks to indigenous art, emphasizing the need for contextual understanding. Suggestions include fostering authentic interpretations, preserving traditional forms, and promoting artists’ voices to sustain the rich cultural heritage. Encouraging cross-cultural dialogue while safeguarding uniqueness is crucial for its continued relevance.