Ph.D Theses

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A Neo-Marxist Study of the Select Retellings of Mahabharata
(Avinashilingam, 2024-03) Kushma Kumari T V; Guide - Dr. A. Vijayarani
Myth is a dynamic and man-made belief to maintain the culture of a society. It is revisited and altered according to the necessity of people and acts as a guiding source for people. The retellings of Mahabharata fascinate the researchers to apply literary theories and experiment it from different points of view. The present study is an attempt to explore on the retellings of Mahabharata by Devudtt Pattanaik (Jaya: an Illustrated Retelling of Mahabharata), Anand Neelakantan (Ajaya: Roll of the Dice), Kavita Kane (Karna’s Wife: the Outcast’s Queen) and Ashutosh Nadkar (Shakuni: Master of the Game) by applying a Neo-Marxian concepts ‘Theory of Cultural Hegemony’ and ‘Role of Intellectuals’ by Antonio Gramsci. The researcher has taken both male and female characters from the chosen primary texts to discuss about the cultural domination prevailed during the ancient time and has also highlighted on the functional solution enumerated by Gramsci with the aid of the characters. The study explicates on the retellings of Mahabharata with certain aspects from Gramsci’s ‘Theory of Cultural Hegemony’ and ‘Role of Intellectuals’. Elucidates on the purpose of retelling of Mahabharata by critically analysing the selected texts and elaborates on the cultural aspects from them. The study also draws attention to the culture based dominations, capitalist ideologies and gives a practical solution for domination in accordance with Gramsci. The area of research is relevant in this present scenario to highlight the cultural hegemony which still exists among the Indians in different forms. The work is significant as it can relate the issues depicted by the authors of the selected retellings of Mahabharata with our current society.
Anthropogenic Disparity in Mobility: Activism and Resistance in Select Climate Fiction
(Avinashilingam, 2025-05) Janane V; Guide - Dr. S. Christina Rebecca
The thesis investigates the diverse forms of injustices in the experiences of climate refugees: human and more than human in select climate fiction. The select climate fictions actively engage with the anthropogenic crisis by analysing the complexities of climate disasters from the political, social, ecological and ethical dimensions. Drawing upon a range of primary sources and theoretical texts that are grounded on the perspectives of climate justice, the research seeks to address the inequities, challenges and the need to establish multispecies inclusive climate justice for climate refugees. The research also examines the various forms of activism and resistance put forth by the human and more than human characters to adopt, cope and seek justice for the climate refugees. The “Introduction” chapter explores the trajectory of climate fiction and its plots by putting forth the concepts of climate criticism adopted. It also explores the purpose of research, objectives, review of literature, research strategy, and the structure of the thesis.The second chapter titled “Climate Justice in the Anthropocene: A Theoretical Framework” elucidates the theoretical framework chosen for the research to substantiate the research objectives on climate justice for climate refugees. The third chapter titled “Environmental Justice Activism: Disparity in Displacement amidst Disproportionate Impact of Climate Change in Amitav Ghosh’s Gun Island” examines the kinds of resistance expressed by the characters of the Global South to address inequities due to geographical, economic and political disparities. The fourth chapter titled “Community Based Activism for Conservation and Sustenance in Barbara Kingsolver’s Flight Behaviour” explicates the role of community engagement in promoting conservation and ensuring rehabilitation of the monarch butterflies as victims of climate change altered migration trajectory. The fifth chapter titled “Countering Eco Fascism: Subversion and i Survival in John Lanchester’s The Wall” analyses the politics of the totalitarian regime and its imposition of eco fascist policies which is subverted through the characters’ resistance.The sixth chapter titled “Resisting Technocapitalism: Security and Rights of Migrants in Paolo Bacigalupi’s The Water Knife” scrutinises the acts of resistance exhibited by climate migrants through border defying mechanisms in a society altered by techno capitalism to counter the impact of climate induced resource conflict. The final chapter titled “Conclusion” culminates with an extension of the findings of the research, the theoretical observations of the thesis and the scope for further study. The chapter provides a brief account of the justification of the research objectives formulated and the research findings that are documented.
Disabled by Body or by Barriers? A Social Model of Disability Analysis in Jean Little’s Selected Works
(Avinashilingam, 2024-03) Srimathi S; Anjum Khan M
Canadian literature in disability studies explores the themes of identity, disability, and societal views from a variety of viewpoints and voices. Indeed, the inclusion of characters with disabilities in Canadian literature has helped to build empathy and an appreciation for a range of viewpoints in the classroom. For children with disabilities, education is essential because it enhances their language ability, promotes communication, and progresses their cognitive development. Consequently, they advocate for inclusivity and empowerment. The Canadian writer Jean Little made a big impact on literature by writing about the difficulties experienced by children with disabilities. Little's disability- related works highlight the significance of comprehending and meeting the educational requirements of children with impairments. Through her work, Little has contributed to a greater understanding of diversity and the special educational needs of children with disabilities. She frequently draws attention to the difficulties experienced by individuals with disabilities in her writings, as well as the important role that assistive technology plays in improving their quality of life. The Social Model of Disability is used in her writings to highlight the difficulties and limitations faced by children with disabilities. To establish an inclusive and accessible society for people with disabilities, this study places a strong emphasis on changing societal structures, attitudes, and policies. To assess the efficacy of education, particularly special education and inclusive education, as reflected in Little's writings, this study will analyse social attitudes, depictions of inaccessible systems within her narratives and insights, and identify areas in need of additional development. It also seeks to take stories and observations from Jean Little's writings to offer a thorough analysis of the difficulties and solutions associated with disability in the context of her fiction and nonfiction writing.
Empowerment through Resistance: Women in the Novels of Manju Kapur
(Avinashilingam, 2023-11) Swetha S; Dr. Chitra Sivasubramaniam
The literary endeavours of Indian women writers give voice to the anguish, aspirations, and assertions of women. Indian women in the contemporary times are in a conflicting state where they are trapped between the pressure of traditions and the advancement of modernity. The fictional narratives of Manju Kapur propagate to redefine the status of Indian women and liberate them from the conventional social structures of the past which is the need of the hour. The ultimate goal of Manju Kapur’s writings is to eliminate the destructive and claustrophobic socio-cultural restrictions that continue to deny new opportunities for women. Manju Kapur emphasizes the need for emancipation of women from man-made social and cultural principles to lay a strong foundation for a healthy, peaceful, and prosperous world. She expects a transition in Indian society to necessitate a better living environment where every individual enjoys equal respect irrespective of their gender. The novelist, through the representation of her women protagonists, take efforts to break the gender boundaries that cripple women’s competency and potential in the familial, professional, and public spheres. She wants to annihilate prejudiced parental upbringing, domestic violence, marital subjugation, and workplace challenges to create a secured familial milieu and safe work environments to preserve women’s eminence and integrity. She envisions that the ‘Women Power’ of India has the ability and authority to adorn the nation with a prestigious status around the globe. The literary contributions of Manju Kapur serve to acknowledge women’s selfhood and honour the uniqueness of womanhood that contributes to the enrichment of the country’s cultural heritage.
Fantasy and Reality at Crossroads: Exploring Mythical and Mortal Worlds in Select Novels of Rick Riordan
(Avinashilingam, 2024-12) Devika Kakkat; Guide - Dr. Chitra Sivasubramaniam
Rick Riordan’s children’s fantasy adventure, Greek mythological retelling series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, a major popular fiction sensation, has captured a place in mainstream status in the world of literature. A deep dive into the plot and narrative structures of the first five novels in the series, The Lightning Their (2005), The Sea of Monsters (2006), The Titan’s Curse (2007), The Battle of the Labyrinth (2008), and The Last Olympian (2008) using the theories of Julia Kristeva’s Intertextuality, William H. Gass’s Metafiction, Linda Hutcheon’s Historiographic Metafiction, Jean Francois Lyotard’s Incredulity towards metanarratives, the conventional models – Gustav Freytag’s ‘Freytag pyramid’, Northrop Frye’s criticism of myth, John Gardner’s ‘Fichtean Curve’, Tzvetan Todorov’s narrative theory of equilibrium, Vladimir Propp’s narrative structure, Joseph Campbell’s ‘monomyth’ or the Hero’s Journey, John Clute’s structure of fantasy, and Christopher Vogler’s ‘Mythic Structure’ and character functions as identified by Vladimir Propp, Joseph Campbell, Christopher Vogler, and A. J. Greimas’s concept of actants, help to illuminate the elements of fantasy in the plot of the select novels with the potential to be transcribed into the reality of readers, thereby cementing it’s significance among readers of all age groups. The realistic themes represented in its mesmerising armoury of fictional, mythical world like social justice, diversity and inclusivity, ecology, dark themes such as the death and loss of loved ones, psychology, emotions, and contemporary concerns of growing up cements it’s status as a narrative self-portrait and a reviser of grand narrative traditions. The study demonstrates a subversion of the conventional structural and narrative models in the select novels that provide authentic voices which are reflective of true life. It highlights the transformative power of children’s fantasy literature, suggesting alternative ways of thinking through aesthetic and social advocacy that instils the message of living with the awareness of one’s culture.
“Fiesta Feminina”: Blurring the Boundaries of Gender in Select Feminist Fairy Tales
(Avinashilingam, 2025-07) Meena Shankar; Guide - Dr.S.Kalamani
“Fiesta Feminina”: Blurring the Boundaries of Gender in Select Feminist Fairy Tales The Feminist Fairy Tale genre as an inversion of the fairy tale genre, celebrates the innate strength of women re-envisioned in feminist post cultural thought. The reworking of the cultural norms and shared beliefs of the traditional gender roles and patriarchal values crafted by the male authored European canon of fairy tales which is part of children‟sliterature is analysed. The present study “„Fiesta Feminina‟: Blurring the Boundaries of Gender in Select Feminist Fairy Tales” challenges the objectification of women in the select fairy tales of Perrault, Grimm and Andersen through the reworked genre. It attempts to showcase the inversion of gender constructs using the template of gender as a prism of analysis to subvert the gendered socio-cultural frameworks imposed on women in the traditional tales. The objectives of the thesis are to contextualise the subversion of gender roles, to dismantle gendered norms through deposing patriarchal dominance and to express how culture naturalises as normative, certain hegemonic practices through powerful discourses. The thesis addresses the dynamics of power and gender to redefine the construct called „woman‟. The thesis showcases how similar gender concerns are addressed by the select feminist authors who hail from different geographical nations across cultures. All the texts celebrate women, gender and „beyond gender‟ in feminist fairy tales to blur the boundaries of gender. The thesis focuses on the intersection of feminism and the feminist reworkings through theoretical readings on women‟s writing and gender studies by throwing light on how men and women were seen as binaries due to gender polarization in a patriarchal social order. An investigation into the feminist perspectives of gender and sexuality in the select works namely, The Moon Ribbon by Jane Yolen, Feminist Fables by Suniti Namjoshi, The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter, Kissing the Witch by Emma Donoghue, Her Stories by Virginia Hamilton and Sweeping Beauties by the Irish Feminist Collective addresses the context of gender and genre of the postmodern feminist fairy tales by combating the prejudices of sexism and gender. The feminist fairy tales were neither identified as a genre nor discoursed as a subject of debate of comparative study across cultures involving the select authors in feminist fairy tale scholarship or in fairy tale studies in World literature. They were not subject to close analysis to explore the plains of gender subversion, motherhood studies, emerging new woman identities, the disillusioned feminine mystique, and the emerging intersectionality of the genre. The thesis is divided into six chapters which includes introduction and conclusion. The core chapters depict how the genre is re-imagined and contextualised by celebrating women and gender by blurring the boundaries of gender. The thesis presents an overview of women studies, feminist ideologies and gendered reworkings. It juxtaposes the fairy tale and feminist fairy tale corpus and addresses the gendered and sexual identities and patriarchal paradigms of the genre. The study introduces the texts and the writers taken up for analysis, underscores the need to interrogate the “happily ever after” of fairy tales from feminist and gendered standpoints. The male-controlled tyrannical expressions of patriarchy in the male authored texts question the socio-cultural literary aesthetics. The research breaks the myth of the selfsacrificing woman and redeems children‟s literature by comprehending the ambit of gender and genre. The objectification of the female and the victimisation of the feminine as cultural erasure inspire the discovery of a new feminine ethos by presenting the intersection of gender and genre in the select feminist fairy tales. The thesis celebrates gender in the select works and champions the „New Woman‟, „the feminine mystique‟, „performativity of gender‟, „matricentric feminism‟ „self-actualisation‟ and intersectionality‟ to weave a tapestry to efface the hegemonic aesthetics of the patriarchal paradigms of the sugar-coated tales to emancipate women. The conclusion sums up the study with the major findings, limitations and scope for further study. The study revisions the enrichment of children‟s literature and society by the academia, through gender positive initiatives of social relevance to envisage a world beyond gender.
Mapping Gender and Violence: Assault, Abuse and Trauma in Select Plays of Indian Women Writers
(Avinashilingam, 2025-05) Isai Arasi T; Guide - Dr. S. Christina Rebecca
Mapping Gender and Violence: Assault, Abuse and Trauma in Select Plays of Indian Women Writers : Violence against women constitutes a significant concern in contemporary India.This issue is rooted in patriarchal beliefs that perpetuate power and gender inequalities.The present research examines various forms of violence as depicted in selected plays by Indian women writers, organized into seven chapters, including an introduction and a conclusion. The introduction delineates the evolution of theatrical works and the emergence of Indian women playwrights, emphasizing their contributions to both society and literature. It also addresses contemporary themes and the impact of select playwrights on the theatrical landscape. Chapter II, titled “Gender and Trauma: Theoretical Framework,” analyses how power dynamics related to gender lead to the subjugation and exploitation of women. This chapter explores how the research utilises the concepts of objectification and trauma theory to examine the exploitation of women’s bodies and its impact on their psyche. It employs objectification to illustrate the perception of women as objects valued primarily for their physical appearance, rather than their intrinsic worth. Additionally, trauma theory is integrated to explore the psychological effects experienced by victims, emphasizing trauma as a significant event that disrupts normal coping mechanisms. Chapter III concentrates on child sexual abuse, specifically analysing Dina Mehta’s play Getting Away With Murder, which highlights the power imbalances that facilitate such abuse, particularly against young girls. This chapter further underscores how societal gender disparities contribute to the prevalence of sexual abuse and discusses the coping mechanisms that victims employ to address their trauma, which often extends into later stages of development. Chapter IV investigates the interplay between power dynamics, gender bias, and domestic violence, utilising Poile Sengupta’s play Mangalam to illustrate the objectification and mistreatment of women by family members. The chapter assesses the psychological effects of domestic violence on women and examines their coping strategies to endure the traumatic experiences inherent in their situations. Chapter V addresses the critical issue of gang rape within the context of Manjula Padmanabhan’s play Lights Out, emphasizing the objectification and violation of women’s bodies by perpetrators. It highlights the pervasive fear instilled in women by such acts and their profound impact on victims’ lives, while also considering the perspective of a witness reflecting on the victim’s suffering. Chapter VI explores the grim realities of women in cyberspace, as portrayed in Anupama Chandrasekhar’s play Free Outgoing. It underscores the severe repercussions of revenge pornography on victims and their families, jeopardizing their future. Moreover, this chapter critically examines societal tendencies to perpetuate gender bias. The conclusion posits that societal transformation is essential to eradicate violence against women, achievable through education that reveals the socially constructed nature of gender norms and emphasizes the importance of male respect for women and their emotions. Furthermore, robust familial and social support systems are crucial for victims, equipping them with the emotional resources necessary to cope with trauma and reclaim their voices.
Navigating Bias: A Critical Examination of Beverley Brenna’s Select Works
(2024-04) Banumathi J; Dr. M. Anjum Khan
Disability is a pervasive and deeply personal aspect of human existence, spanning across cultures and epochs. Despite its longstanding presence, the discrimination faced by individuals with disabilities stems not from inherent individual biases, but from entrenched social ideologies. However, the scholarly exploration of disability, particularly within the realm of literature, remains a relatively nascent field of interdisciplinary inquiry. This Ph.D. thesis aims to delve into the underexplored domain of disability literary studies, focusing on the works of Canadian author Beverley Brenna. Notably, Brenna’s unique perspective as both a writer and a special educator imbues her narratives with a richness derived from firsthand experience. Her deliberate inclusion of characters with disabilities serves not only to provide representation for disabled readers but also to cultivate understanding and normalisation among able-bodied readers. Through an analysis of selected works by Brenna, this study seeks to illuminate the pervasive influence of ableism—the systemic discrimination against individuals with disabilities—and explore avenues for its mitigation. Components such as normativity, stigma, and inclusivity will be examined to elucidate the complex dynamics of the ability divide and propose strategies for fostering greater equity and acceptance within society.
Provincial Patterns of Alice Munro and Ruskin Bond’s Select Short Stories: A Comparative Analysis
(Avinashilingam, 2024-05) Jayasri R; Dr. M. Anjum Khan
Literature, in forms like novels, short stories, essays, and dramas, reflects human experiences, forging a connection through emotions. The short story genre, originating from various narrative forms, follows a structure of exposition, complication, climax, and resolution, but its modern interpretation includes broader elements like plot, characters, setting, and theme. Canadian short fiction provides a distinct perspective on global issues, often exploring identity, diversity, and the Canadian landscape. Alice Munro, a renowned Canadian author, delves into universal truths, transforming ordinary occurrences into extraordinary tales, with her unique approach to characters, setting, language, style, and themes. Similarly, Indian short fiction highlights tradition, culture, and nature, emphasizing the country’s landscapes. Ruskin Bond’s stories, set in the Indian Himalayas, resonate deeply, characterized by distinctive elements of character, setting, language, style, and theme, carving out a significant place in Indian literature. This research examines the application of Comparative Literature and the Transactional Model’s Aesthetic Reading Theory, drawing from Susan Basnett’s Comparative Literature: A Critical Introduction and Dr. S. Chellaiah’s Comparative Literature: Its Theory and Practice, as well as Ihab Hassan’s Parallelism theory. It integrates Louise M. Rosenblatt’s transactional model from The Reader, The Text, The Poem: The Transactional Theory of the Literary Work, focusing on Aesthetic Reading, to analyse selected short stories. Twenty-nine short stories from collections by Alice Munro and Ruskin Bond serve as primary texts. The research aims to analyse the depiction of provincial life in Munro and Bond’s works, comparing Canadian and Indian contexts. It also aims to identify and study similarities in their writing styles regarding provincial life portrayal.
Refugeehood Dematerialised: An Analysis of Agency in Select Refugee Narratives
(Avinashilingam, 2025-05) N. Lavanya; Guide - Dr. M. Anjum Khan
Refugee narratives in English literature encapsulate the extensive problems of the individuals on becoming non- citizens due to several reasons. These narratives examine the factors that lead to statelessness and explores their predicament as refugees, internally displaced persons, asylum seekers or immigrants. The narratives written by refugees themselves or an author with personal interest and proper research on refugees, provide authentic depiction of their ordeal. Further, these literary works advocate for solutions, urging those in power and society at large to take meaningful steps toward improving the lives of refugees. As a result, the present thesis scrutinises seven such refugee narratives: A Land of Permanent Goodbyes by Atia Abawi, The Boat People by Sharon Bala, First, They Erased Our Name by Habiburahman, Little Daughter by Zoya Phan, City of Thorns by Ben Rawlence, How Dare the Sun Rise by Sandra Uwiringiyimana, and The Milk of Birds by Sylvia Whitman, which includes memoirs, biographies and fiction. The thesis makes a modest attempt to investigate into refugee crisis with special focus on human agency. It uses Hannah Arendt’s theoretical concept, namely, ‘statelessness,’ ‘right to have rights,’ ‘banality of evil’ and ‘plurality’. The thesis identifies that refugeehood remains a profound challenge, stripping individuals of their political, social, cultural, economic, legal, and bodily agency. It critically examines the erosion of these forms of agency and explores refugees’ resilience through the assertion of autonomy and through their continuing struggle for survival in the face of systemic and enduring adversity with the help of political theories of Hannah Arendt. It also tries to contemplate on few possible solutions for alleviating the hardships of refugees all over the world.

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