Resisting patriarchy, both nationalist and colonial: A rereading of Rabindranath Tagore’s story, Shasti

Abstract

Tagore’s short stories showcase some of the most powerful women characters in literature. Chandara, the protagonist of Tagore’s short story “Shashti” is a unique character. She is not docile as patriarchy expects women to be. Her husband Chidam fails to dominate her. Chidam even wished her to be dead out of frustration. After discovering Chidam’s intention to prove her guilty of the crime of murder, which she had not done, appalled her. She completely withdrew herself from everything and rigidly accepted the crime done by Chidam’s brother. Her decision stands out as a firm protest against the inhumanity of Chidam and at the same time, the patriarchal society which does not think twice to make a woman guilty.