REPRESENTING STRUGGLE FOR WOMEN EMANCIPATION IN FICTION:A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF I AM THUNDER BY MUHAMMAD KHAN AND SAFFRON DREAMS BY SHAILA ABDULLAH THROUGH FEMINISTIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The current study aimed to analyze the role and struggles of women in other cultures through fiction. By applying theory of feminism on I Am Thunder (2018) and Saffron Dreams (2009), this study found themes of integrity, individuality, religious and cultural identity, resilience and self-empowerment. This research has focused on similarities between the characters’ battles for identity, self-determination, and sovereignty by analyzing both works through the lens of intersectional feminism. Abdullah and Khan revealed how multiple layers of oppression intersect and shape identities of female characters and how these females, Muzna and Arissa, resist and navigate the situations. The nature of the current study is qualitative. Textual analysis and close reading methods are used. The primary texts for this research were I Am Thunder (2018) by Muhammad khan and Saffron Dreams (2009) by Shaila Abdullah. The journals, articles and several books related to theories have been studied for this research as secondary source. The findings of the present study showed that challenging cultures and using one’s voice is important, feminist principles are reflected in Muzna and Arissa’s paths to autonomy and self-determination. This study has provided a deeper understanding of their experiences and their potential to ignite revolutionary societal change by investigating their intersecting realities. In addition, further studies should be carried out, such as on hypocrisy of societies who give freedom to only their women and their people.