The exploitative role of patriarchal and capitalist attitudes towards the tribals, women and nature in the novel The Sickle
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This article offers a critical analysis of Anita Agnihotri's The Sickle, examining the interconnected oppression of tribal communities, women, and the environment in rural Maharashtra. It reveals how capitalism and patriarchal values commodify both women and land, diminishing them to exploitable entities. By exploring the portrayal of female characters, the text highlights how patriarchal attitudes undermine bodily autonomy and restrict access to economic resources, education, and healthcare. Moreover, it illustrates the relationship between gender oppression and environmental degradation through an ecofeminist lens. Agnihotri's narrative highlights the need for a dual analysis to address these interconnected issues within marginalised communities. The findings contribute to ecofeminist discourse, showing how literature can critically engage with the links among social injustice, gender biases, and ecological exploitation, ultimately advocating for a more holistic approach to sustainable development.
Author: Puja Sandal
Institution: Central University of Himachal Pradesh
Language: English
Subfield: Literature and Literary Theory
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4412870597