A Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis of Qaisra Shahraz’s The Holy Woman in the Backdrop of Subalternity

Abstract

This paper analyzes the objectification of the South Asian female subject as subaltern by the patriarchal power structure, and disrupts the relevant discourse practices. It investigates this notion in Qaisra Shahraz’s novel The Holy Woman. Methodologically, it applies Gayatri Spivak’s perspective of the subaltern to establish its ontological premise. Additionally, it uses Lazar’s concept of Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis to deconstruct the power discourse behind the objectification of the female identity as reflected in the selected text. The analysis of the selected text reflects as the South Asian patriarchal society ‘legitimizes’ the ‘othering’ of its female subject for the fulfilment of its power agenda that involve political and economic interests. The analysis also reveals as dominant discourse interprets religion the way it suits the power structure. It also shows how the female subject realizes its manipulation by acquiring the knowledge which she earlier lacked and on the acquired awareness, resists the power structure. Through its methodological approach, the paper incites further research into the reorientation of subalternity in the South Asian context.

Deconstructing Material Commodification: A Feminist Critique of Objectification in Qaisra Shahraz’s Holy Woman

“…women have a subaltern status in nations like Pakistan, but educated and wealthy women like Zarri serve as an example for other women to learn from so that they might improve their own lives. According to her, Zarri transforms herself into a "holy lady" to defy this tradition and satisfy its prerequisites, but in the end, she is successful in dispelling the myth that underpins the tradition (Khan, 2019). Constructing a picture of Zarri Bano as a devout woman.…”

“…She discusses the many varying roles and responsibilities that have been assigned to women throughout history. She attributes the beginning of the practice of having a holy woman to the fact that the girls were used for financial and political gain or disposing of them in the direction of the religion as extra members, (Khan, 2019).…”

A Critical Discourse Analysis of Gender Subjectivity in Henry James’ the Portrait of a Lady

“…The research shows that the women screenwriters enjoy a degree of independence and are not subject to the constraints through the portrayal of women characters by empowering them and making them independent. Khan (2019) investigates the novel The Holy Woman using FCDA and subalternity in order to deconstruct the discourses which lead to women's objectification and their constrained identity. It shows that patriarchy of South Asian society quite legitimizes the concept of othering of women as is shown by Spivak.…”

Female Authenticity in the Holy Woman by Qaisra Shahraz

“…She avers that "Finally, she becomes totally free to make her own choices and she is always busy in religious and educational activities, serving and educating the Muslim women of her society. Khan (2019), in "Subaltern can speak," talks about the subaltern status of women in countries like Pakistan but educated and rich women like Zarri are an example for common women to learn from them to change their lives for the better. According to her, Zarri becomes a 'holy woman' to challenge this custom and fulfil its requirements but ultimately wins in defeating the myth of the custom.…”