Dismantled Gender Constructs
and Represents Gender in Mahesh Dattani’s Where There’s a
Will
Dr. D. Mohanakrishnan
ABSTRACT
The intention of this paper is to examine how
Dattani dismantles gender constructs and represents gender. The
paper intends to explore what is the mode in which Dattani has
dismantled gender constructs and represents gender. The paper brings
pertinent instances from the texts to show Dattani’s perceptions and
responses vs. society’s perceptions and responses with regard to
gender and gender constructs. Besides this, the paper also optimizes
the instances from the text to show how Dattani simultaneously
deconstructs gender constructs and represents gender. It also shows
the gender hierarchy and the position of each gender in the
hegemonic, patriarchal, heterogeneous society. Moreover, to identify
author’s motive in writing these plays and the ideology that author
conveys.
Dattani is extensively respected for his technical excellences as
well as displaying a wide range of themes and subjects. The study is
basically text-oriented. These select plays have made bold
innovations and experiments, dealt with themes related to the
present social scenario, in an effort to bring about social change,
and sociocultural revolution to make the people aware of the need to
reform the present social structure. The plays deal with the
aspirations of the destitute mid marginalised sections of society
and depict the acute conflicts of contemporary city life.
Key Words: Gender, Gender Constructs, Patriarchal, Hegemony,
Sexuality, Society.
