Between Tradition and
Modernity: Mother–Daughter Conflicts in South Asian Literary Works
Kamaldeep Kaur¹, Dr. Monisha Saxena²
ABSTRACT
This paper explores the intricate dynamics of
mother-daughter conflicts in South Asian literary works, focusing on
the tension between tradition and modernity. Through a detailed
analysis of selected texts, including Clear Light of Day by Anita
Desai, Difficult Daughters by Manju Kapur, Brick Lane by Monica Ali,
and Before We Visit the Goddess by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, the
study examines how these relationships are shaped by cultural
expectations, societal pressures, and the evolving roles of women in
South Asian societies. By applying feminist and postcolonial
theoretical frameworks, the paper highlights the ways in which these
conflicts reflect broader societal transformations and the struggles
for identity and agency within patriarchal structures. The findings
suggest that South Asian literature provides a critical space for
negotiating the complexities of cultural heritage and contemporary
aspirations, offering insights into the evolving nature of gender
roles and familial relationships in a rapidly changing society.
Keywords: South Asian Literature, Mother-Daughter Relationships,
Tradition and Modernity, Feminist Literary Criticism, Postcolonial
Theory, Gender Roles..
