The construct of the "good" and "not-good" woman in Bengali Literary Cultural Tradition

Abstract

Ethical archetypes of femininity are in classical literature and ethical codexes subdued to the idea of the patriarchal hierarchy. Woman as a social being is here a tool for others, not an aim for herself (a term of M.

Nussbaum). Modern literature casts doubt upon this ethical archetype and thematises an independent search for a female identity.

Keywords

• Hindu cultural tradition archetypes classical epics ethical codexes dharmasastras hierarchy patriarchy subjection modern subversions