Sri Lanka is a country which has witnessed tremendous political upheavals since ages. Although now, peace has been restored to the lands still there are many issues which have to be sorted out. Though an under develop country, but Sri Lanka was the first country to have given the world first woman Prime Minister, Srinivaso Bhandarnaike.
Women writing in Sri Lanka began in 1928 when Rosalind Mendis published her first novel, The Mystery of a Tragedy published by Arthur Stockwell of London. The novel was not so successful and it did not pave the way to inspire other women to take up writing as a career. Women writing did not flourish in Sri Lanka due to many reasons but over the last three decades, it has witnessed a new wave of women writers trying to carve their niche in the world of English writing as there has been tremendous flow of women writers. Vijeta Fernando writes, ‘a half a century long drought followed before creative writing, especially by women, could take root and flourish in the island country.’ So the writing culture including both men and women developed in Sri Lanka in the postcolonial period.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Literature in Sri Lanka
- Different Views on the Growth of Women's Literature
- Women Writers Facing Double Standards
- Sri Lankan Women Writers and Their Achievements
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to explore the rise and impact of Sri Lankan women writers, particularly their contributions in the context of the country's significant political upheavals. It examines the evolution of their themes, the challenges they faced, and their growing international recognition.
- The evolution of Sri Lankan women's writing in the post-colonial era.
- The impact of political turmoil on the themes explored by women writers.
- The challenges and discrimination faced by women writers in Sri Lankan society.
- The growing international recognition of Sri Lankan women writers.
- The diverse range of social and political issues addressed in their works.
Chapter Summaries
Abstract: This abstract provides a brief overview of the topic, highlighting Sri Lanka's history of political turmoil and the emergence of women writers in the country, noting the significance of Rosalind Mendis's early novel and the subsequent flourishing of women's writing in recent decades. It touches upon the diverse range of themes explored by contemporary Sri Lankan women writers.
Introduction: The introduction establishes the prominence of Sri Lankan women writers, emphasizing their surpassing of male counterparts in terms of popularity, international recognition, and critical acclaim. It contrasts the earlier limitations in themes to the broader spectrum now explored, including sensitive topics such as homosexuality and sexual aberrations.
Literature in Sri Lanka: This section analyzes the transformation of Sri Lankan literature, particularly concerning women's writing. It highlights the shift from earlier themes focused on domesticity to a wider range of social and political issues. The influence of changing economic conditions and women's emancipation on this shift is discussed, drawing on the perspective of Vijitha Yapa, a prominent book publisher. The chapter emphasizes the expanding horizons and experiences of women writers and the increased variety of literary works now available.
Different Views on the Growth of Women's Literature: This section presents contrasting viewpoints on the factors contributing to the growth of women's literature in Sri Lanka. It includes the perspective of S. Sivakumaran, a critic who attributes this growth to the increased opportunities provided by university education and the inherent observational skills of women writers. The success of Sri Lankan women writers in the international arena is also highlighted, contrasting with the apparent lack of similar male successes.
Women Writers Facing Double Standards: This section focuses on the challenges and discrimination faced by Sri Lankan women writers due to gender biases within society. The experiences of Sunita Rajakarunanayake, a prolific writer, are highlighted, illustrating the criticisms she faced for her bold exploration of sensitive social issues such as extramarital affairs and sexual exploitation. The chapter counters criticisms regarding neglect of family, showcasing the resilience of these writers and the support they receive from their families.
Sri Lankan Women Writers and Their Achievements: This section showcases the achievements of Sri Lankan women writers, highlighting their contributions and recognition through various awards and prizes. The success of Punyakante Wijenaike, with her work "Anoma" winning the Commonwealth Award, exemplifies the quality of their writing and its international impact. The section further emphasizes the significant role of women writers in giving voice to the experiences of ordinary women and promoting social progress.
Keywords
Sri Lankan Women Writers, Post-colonial literature, Political turmoil, Gender inequality, Social issues, International recognition, Women's emancipation, Literary awards.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sri Lankan Women Writers: A Literary Landscape
What is the main focus of this text?
This text explores the rise and significant impact of Sri Lankan women writers, particularly their contributions within the context of the country's considerable political upheavals. It examines the evolution of their themes, the challenges they faced, and their growing international acclaim.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents includes: Abstract, Introduction, Literature in Sri Lanka, Different Views on the Growth of Women's Literature, Women Writers Facing Double Standards, and Sri Lankan Women Writers and Their Achievements.
What are the key objectives and themes explored?
Key themes include the evolution of Sri Lankan women's writing in the post-colonial era; the impact of political turmoil on their themes; the challenges and discrimination faced; their growing international recognition; and the diverse social and political issues addressed in their works.
What does the chapter on "Literature in Sri Lanka" discuss?
This chapter analyzes the transformation of Sri Lankan literature, focusing on the shift in women's writing from domestic themes to broader social and political issues. It discusses the influence of changing economic conditions and women's emancipation, citing the perspective of a prominent book publisher, Vijitha Yapa.
How does the text address different viewpoints on the growth of women's literature?
The text presents contrasting perspectives, including the view of critic S. Sivakumaran, who attributes the growth to increased opportunities from university education and women's inherent observational skills. The text also highlights the international success of Sri Lankan women writers compared to their male counterparts.
What challenges did Sri Lankan women writers face?
The text highlights the gender biases and discrimination faced by these writers. It uses the experiences of Sunita Rajakarunanayake as an example, illustrating the criticisms she faced for exploring sensitive social issues. The resilience of these writers and the support they received from their families is also emphasized.
What are some of the achievements of Sri Lankan women writers?
The text showcases their achievements, including awards and prizes. The success of Punyakante Wijenaike's "Anoma," which won the Commonwealth Award, exemplifies their international impact. Their significant role in giving voice to ordinary women and promoting social progress is also highlighted.
What are the key words associated with this text?
Key words include: Sri Lankan Women Writers, Post-colonial literature, Political turmoil, Gender inequality, Social issues, International recognition, Women's emancipation, and Literary awards.
What is included in the chapter summaries?
Chapter summaries provide brief overviews of each chapter, highlighting key points and arguments. They give a concise understanding of the content of each section, from the abstract's overview to the concluding chapter's summary of the achievements of Sri Lankan women writers.
What is the overall tone and purpose of this text preview?
The preview provides a comprehensive overview, aiming to inform and engage readers interested in Sri Lankan literature, women's writing, post-colonial studies, and gender studies. It presents a structured and professional analysis of themes and provides valuable context.
- Arbeit zitieren
- PhD (English) Shamenaz Bano (Autor:in), 2020, Sri Lankan Women Writers Finding Space Within Political Turmoil. Punyakante Wijenaike, Kumari Jayawardena, Nira Wickramsinghe, Rosemary Rogers and Thisuri Wanniarchchi, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/931418
