Gender Performativity in Perumal Murugan’s Estuary

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The study aims to trace how the author has portrayed the characters in ways that they perform in specific ways to generate various effects that determine their gender roles. It aims to map gender performativity in the novel Estuary by close reading and analysing the acts and dialogues of the characters from a cultural context. Methodology: Qualitative analysis of the text was done to derive the findings. The text was subjected to close reading. The points relevant to the concept of gender performativity were highlighted using a pencil. The points were neatly organized and classified using a notebook. The points were developed into an essay by using critical thinking. Views from other disciplines such as psychology are incorporated making the study an interdisciplinary one. Main Findings: Though Perumal Murugan alters the stereotypical gender roles of Meghas’ parents at specific points in the novel, he reinforces them a more significant number of times than when he changes them. With his sarcasm as a tool, he supports Kumarasurar and Mangasuri as typical Indian parents of the 21st century, thereby stereotyping them in the novel. Applications of the study: This study will be useful in the fields of gender studies, cultural studies, domestic studies, the study of 21st century Tamil culture, South Asian studies, South Indian culture, etc. Novelty/Originality of the study: The study jots down the various ways in which gender is performed by a typical Tamil couple. Translated Tamil novels are rarely studied using the emerging literary theories including gender performativity. As the present analysis of the novel breaks down how gender is performed by the characters, it contributes to the field of gender studies as well as research on Tamil novels translated to English.