A Feminist Stylistic Analysis of Attar of Roses By Tahira Naqvi

Abstract

This study aims to conduct a feminist stylistic analysis of “Attar of Roses and Other Stories of Pakistan by Tahira Naqvi” (Naqvi, 1997), having the motive to uncover stereotypical roles, sexist language and gender roles using the three-level analysis model proposed by Mills (1995). This research will provide us with a deep insight into the common ideology regarding the second sex by analyzing the narrative from a feminist stylistic perspective and uncovering the hidden nuances that shape the modern literary views. This qualitative study analyses words, phrases, sentences and discourses that express gender in the chosen short story. It is believed that the Female gender throughout history has been treated oppressively and viewed as inferior to contemporary, remaining a subject of discrimination on an institutional and personal level. The study findings describe that the representation of women remains passive and fragile throughout the whole narration of the short story, being dominated by men or dependent on men. Furthermore, the research can hint at upcoming dominating trends in the region's literary tradition.