Vol. 2 No. 1 (2024): Jan-March, The Quintessential

Dear Readers,

Welcome to this special edition of our journal, which explores the intricate interconnections of gender, sexuality, and cultural narratives. In today's society, gender exploration and redefinition are critical in our pursuit of greater inclusivity and understanding. Literature and culture are effective vehicles for this exploration, providing nuanced insights and challenging ingrained preconceptions. By critically exploring gender through these lenses, we may reveal the diversity and complexity of human experiences, resulting in a more equal and empathic world. The scholarly works in this issue add to the current conversation by encouraging us to reconsider and modify our ideas of identity and power in ways that reflect the complexities of our modern environment.

The volume “Redefining Gender Insights from Literature and Culture" collects significant scholarly works that challenge existing paradigms and inspire readers to reevaluate established norms through various literary and cultural perspectives.

Our first research paper entitled "Problematising Sex and Gender: A Reconsideration of Freud Concerning the Select Poem 'Home They Brought Her Warrior Dead'," examines Freudian conceptions of sexuality and gender in light of Alfred, Lord Tennyson's moving portrayal of loss and feminine resilience. This study urges readers to critically examine how Freud's theories apply to literary readings, as well as the larger implications for understanding gender roles.

In "Decoding Deities and Demons: A Study of Supernatural Elements in Haruki Murakami's Kino," we delve into Murakami's cryptic worlds, where supernatural elements function as metaphors for his characters' psychological struggles and ambitions. This study provides a new perspective on how myth and reality work together to build our perception of identity and existence.

"Voices from the Margins: Aravind Adiga's Socio-Political Narratives" investigates the marginalised voices in Adiga's works, underlining the socio-political undercurrents that undermine India's socioeconomic fabric. This paper emphasises the role of literature in providing a voice to the voiceless and highlighting the intricacies of power dynamics.

"Odyssey of Sita: A Feminist Revision of Mythology with Special Reference to Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's The Forest of Enchantments" is a feminist retelling of a well-known narrative that transforms Sita from a passive character into a symbol of strength and autonomy. This revisionist approach encourages readers to examine classic narratives and their relevance to modern gender discourse.

"Analysing the Insurgent Female Psyche in Patriarchal Settings" explores the psychological and emotional challenges that women experience in patriarchal civilisations. This research offers a comprehensive analysis of rebellious feminine identities and experiences.
The review article "Redefining Gender Roles in Indian Cinema: A Critical Analysis of the Movie Thappad " examines how gender dynamics are portrayed in contemporary Indian films. This examination of Thappad demonstrates the shifting discourse on marital relationships and domestic violence, emphasising the film's importance in challenging and changing cultural standards. Finally, "A Journey of Identity: A Review of Me Hijra, Me Laxmi" takes an inside look at the life and tribulations of Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, a well-known hijra activist. This analysis sheds light on the complexity of gender identification and the ongoing struggle for recognition and rights within the LGBTQ community.

We hope this issue encourages you to think critically about how literature and culture reflect and develop our understanding of sex, gender, and self. Each piece in this collection provides a unique perspective, adding to a larger discussion about these critical issues.

Happy reading!

Dr. Reshu Shukla

Guest Editor