WOMEN SUBALTERNITY: A STUDY OF ELIF SHAFAK’S NOVEL 10 MINUTES 38 SECONDS IN THIS STRANGE WORLD

Abstract

This study investigates the oppressed and marginalized female characters of 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World, who have been driven subaltern socially and religiously. It further explores how the female subalterns become the victim of violence in the society having patriarchal structure. Elif Shafak’s (2019) 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World has been taken as the primary source of data. Moreover, the data has also been gathered from secondary sources stated in the section of references. The text which the researchers have picked has been evaluated in the light of theoretical framework of Spivak’s (1988) concept of silencing the women who are treated as subaltern in Indian society.The study employs a qualitative content analysis method to delineate the picture of subalternity of women that occurs in selected novel.It seeks to exhibit the marginalized female characters’ endeavors for their survival and freedom from the adamantine shackles of suppression and violence. It replies the question “Can a subaltern speak?” as ‘no’. Hence, it bears the lesson that female subalterns, due to the patriarchal structure and domestic colonialism, can express neither their thoughts nor feelings. Tequila Leila along with her three best female friends has to face violence and oppression. They try utmost to rebel against their subalternity. But the stronghold of patriarchal set up crushes their rebellion, snatching their freedom.