Wading through the tempestuous waters within which our society is drowning, is India’s first
Sahitya Akademi award winning dramatist, Mahesh Dattani. He is a humanist who uses his
multifaceted personae as a weapon in his fight against inhumanity. Dattani sees in society
what others wish to ignore. His works are a plea for humane treatment of homosexuals,
equality towards women and moreover equal rights for every small section of society
including the hijras. His plays question all kinds of discrimination, be it religious prejudice,
gender discrimination or even homosexuality. His plays not only bring up gender issues and
the space allotted to women in a patriarchal society, but also deal with gender prejudices
which affect the lives of the female child even amongst educated, urban families.
Mahesh Dattani is a name that guided the weakling Indian English Drama on the path of
reliability, steadfastness and distinct identity. He has an ability to amalgamate the traditional
beliefs with ultramodern disposition and conviction. His plays are heavily charged with socio
political, emotional, physiological and psychological issues. Many of his plays deal with
familial issues wherein the family members are trapped in social constraints and struggle to
wrestle out of societal pressures. Dattani’s plays expose the violence of our “private thoughts,
and the hypocrisy of our public morals” (Kumar,“Mahesh Dattani’s Collected Plays”). [...]
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Mahesh Dattani and His Works
- The Story of Tara: Gender, Class, and Disability
- Family Dynamics and Societal Norms
- Cultural Practices and Gender Discrimination
- The Bond Between Tara and Chandan
Objectives and Key Themes
This preview aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Mahesh Dattani's play, "Tara," without revealing major plot points. The preview analyzes the play's exploration of gender inequality, class struggles, and the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities within Indian society. It examines how these themes intersect and shape the narrative and characters' experiences.
- Gender inequality and discrimination against women in Indian society.
- The impact of class and social status on individual lives and experiences.
- The challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and their families.
- The complex dynamics of family relationships in a patriarchal society.
- The intersection of traditional and modern values in India.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section provides background information on Mahesh Dattani, highlighting his humanist approach and his focus on social issues such as gender inequality, discrimination against homosexuals, and the rights of marginalized groups in Indian society. It sets the stage for the analysis of "Tara" as a representative work of Dattani's broader concerns with social justice.
Mahesh Dattani and His Works: This section delves into Dattani's contribution to Indian English drama, emphasizing his ability to blend traditional beliefs with modern perspectives. It notes his consistent exploration of socio-political, emotional, and psychological themes within the context of familial struggles and societal pressures. The analysis connects Dattani's overall body of work to the specific themes and concerns highlighted in "Tara."
The Story of Tara: Gender, Class, and Disability: This section summarizes the core narrative of "Tara," focusing on the story of conjoined twins and the discrimination they face. It explains how Tara's story serves as a metaphor for the broader struggles of women in Indian society, highlighting the gender bias and class struggle prevalent within the play. The section emphasizes the play's relevance in light of issues like foeticide and the skewed sex ratio.
Family Dynamics and Societal Norms: This chapter summary examines the family dynamics within the play, detailing how the unique circumstances of raising conjoined twins highlight the deeply ingrained societal norms that disadvantage women. The summary analyzes the parents' preferential treatment of their son and the impact of this bias on Tara's life. The section underscores the play's critique of societal expectations and the role of family in perpetuating these norms.
Cultural Practices and Gender Discrimination: This section delves into the cultural practices depicted in the play, focusing on the casual mention of infanticide of female infants. It analyzes the scene between Bharati and Roopa, and how Bharati's actions reveal the internalized sexism within the family. The summary connects these practices to the larger context of gender discrimination in India and highlights their relevance to the play's overall message.
The Bond Between Tara and Chandan: This section focuses on the unique relationship between Tara and Chandan. It explores their bond as a source of strength and support in the face of adversity. The summary contrasts their sibling relationship with the societal biases and injustices faced by Tara, emphasizing the significance of their mutual love and understanding within the context of familial and social pressures.
Keywords
Gender inequality, class struggle, disability, family dynamics, Indian society, Mahesh Dattani, Tara, patriarchy, societal norms, cultural practices, infanticide, foeticide, sibling relationships.
FAQ: Mahesh Dattani's "Tara" - A Comprehensive Preview
What is this preview about?
This preview offers a thorough overview of Mahesh Dattani's play, "Tara," focusing on its key themes and narrative without revealing major plot points. It analyzes the play's exploration of gender inequality, class struggles, and the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities within Indian society.
What are the key themes explored in "Tara"?
The play delves into gender inequality and discrimination against women in Indian society; the impact of class and social status on individual lives; the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and their families; the complex dynamics of family relationships in a patriarchal society; and the intersection of traditional and modern values in India.
Who is Mahesh Dattani, and what is his significance?
Mahesh Dattani is a significant figure in Indian English drama. His works consistently explore socio-political, emotional, and psychological themes within familial and societal contexts. He is known for his humanist approach and focus on social justice issues, including gender inequality, discrimination against marginalized groups, and the rights of those with disabilities. "Tara" exemplifies these concerns.
What is the story of "Tara" in brief?
The play centers on the story of conjoined twins and the discrimination they face. Tara's experiences serve as a metaphor for broader struggles faced by women in Indian society, highlighting the prevalent gender bias and class struggles. The play touches upon sensitive issues such as foeticide and the skewed sex ratio in India.
How does the play portray family dynamics and societal norms?
The play examines family dynamics through the lens of raising conjoined twins, highlighting how societal norms disadvantage women. It analyzes parental biases and the impact on Tara's life, critiquing societal expectations and the role of family in perpetuating such norms.
What role do cultural practices play in the play?
The play depicts cultural practices that contribute to gender discrimination, such as the casual mention of female infanticide. Specific scenes, like the interaction between Bharati and Roopa, reveal internalized sexism within the family. These practices are connected to the larger context of gender discrimination in India.
What is the significance of the relationship between Tara and Chandan?
The bond between Tara and Chandan, her brother, is portrayed as a source of strength and support against adversity. This sibling relationship contrasts with the societal biases and injustices faced by Tara, highlighting the importance of mutual love and understanding amidst familial and social pressures.
What are the key words associated with the play?
Key words associated with "Tara" include: Gender inequality, class struggle, disability, family dynamics, Indian society, Mahesh Dattani, Tara, patriarchy, societal norms, cultural practices, infanticide, foeticide, sibling relationships.
What is the purpose of this preview?
The preview aims to provide a comprehensive overview of "Tara" without spoiling major plot points. It’s intended for academic use, enabling structured analysis of the play's themes.
Where can I find more information about Mahesh Dattani and his works?
Further research into Mahesh Dattani and his plays can be conducted through academic databases, literary journals, and online resources dedicated to Indian theatre and literature.
- Quote paper
- Noella Pereira (Author), 2014, The story of one Tara, The reality of a million Taras, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/272507
