Exploring Gender Dynamics in Indian and Pakistani English Poetry: A Comparative Pragma-Stylistic Examination

Abstract

This research paper highlights the analysis of gender dynamics among Indian and Pakistani poetry by conducting manual thematic analysis on Kishwar Naheed’s poem collection ‘Composition of Scorched Heart’ and ‘Ms. Militancy’ by Meera Kandasamy. The thematic analysis was executed through the lens of gender identity, opposition to patriarchal norms, experiences of oppression, the significance of sisterhood, and the pursuit of empowerment and liberation. Both poets provide insights about the emotional settings formed by rigid social norms also challenging cultural expectations. Comparative examination reveals common themes, differences in methodology, symbolism, and intersectionality recognition. These volumes of poems challenged readers to consider the distinctions of women's lives within liberal feminist ideals, contributing to the ongoing conversation on gender, power, and cultural expectations. This comparative study investigates the expressions of liberal feminism in India and Pakistan via an analysis of two stirring poetry collections: “Ms. Militancy” by Meena Kandasamy and “Composition of Scorched Heart” by Kishwar Naheed.

Keywords:

• gender identity
• gender discrimination
• oppression
• Kishwar Naheed
• Meera Kandasamy

Acknowledgement

I would like to acknowledge my supervisor for guiding me throughout this work and aided me to reach this goal.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).