Gajendra Kumar Mitrer Upanyase Nari Manastatwa/ গজেন্দ্রকুমার মিত্রের উপন্যাসে নারী মনস্তত্ত্ব

Abstract

From the inception of Bengali novel, authors have strived to uncover the mysteries of the inner worlds of their male and female characters. Influenced by Western civilization, these writers have examined the psychological dimensions of men and women through various psychological theories. Bankim Chandra’s early novels are among the first examples of psychological novels in Bengali literature. Later, Rabindranath Tagore achieved success in writing psychological novels, with ‘Chokher Bali’ being a notable example. The novels from the Kallol era and subsequent periods are regarded as particularly enriched with psychological qualities influenced by Freudian psychoanalytic theory. In the post-World War II and post-independence eras of Bengali novels, the themes centered around female psychology became more pronounced. The psychology of women and their inherent characteristics—such as love, restraint, tolerance, and maternal instincts—have been pivotal in shaping their inner worlds. Rabindranath Tagore referred to this inner world as the ‘Moner Karkhan’, where a woman’s laughter, tears, gains and losses, desires, and envy are deeply embedded mysteries. Rapid changes over time have significantly impacted women’s daily behaviors and thought processes. Under intense pressure, their thoughts and mental states sometimes become pronounced, while at other times they resonate in literature as suppressed sorrows.

           The psychological differences between men and women have often been attributed to anatomical differences. It was believed that due to these anatomical reasons, women’s destiny was inherently less mature and more adaptable than that of men, thus often being deemed inferior in personality. However, Karen Horney, the first female psychoanalyst, observed that male researchers in psychology had constructed female psychology based on male psychology. She was the first to analyze female psychology independently of Freud’s biological determinism. Although there were female psychoanalysts before her, their theories were influenced by Freudian thought.

           Modern thoughts or values impact the psychological realm of humans, playing a supportive role in the construction of character frameworks. In Gajendrakumar Mitra’s novels, the influence of both Freudian psychoanalysis and Horney’s theories is particularly evident in his female characters.

           In several of Gajendrakumar Mitra’s novels, the number of female characters exceeds that of male characters. In his analysis of female characters, he explores the diverse psychological worlds of women. The numerous female characters in his novels are realistically portrayed with psychological depth, sometimes idealistic, sometimes mysterious, sometimes base, oppressive, greedy, simple, maternal, helpless, and more.

           In this research paper, an attempt has been made to analyze the psychology of the main female characters in Gajendra kumar Mitra’s trilogy (Kolkatar Kachei, Upokanthe, Poush Faguner Pala); specifically, the characters Shyama, Uma, and Promila. Additionally, the psychological analysis extends to the character Indrani in the novel Prabhat Surya, the character Surbala in the novel Ami Kan Pete Roi, and the character Subhadra in the novel Adi Ache Anto Nei.

From the inception of Bengali novel, authors have strived to uncover the mysteries of the inner worlds of their male and female characters. Influenced by Western civilization, these writers have examined the psychological dimensions of men and women through various psychological theories. Bankim Chandra’s early novels are among the first examples of psychological novels in Bengali literature. Later, Rabindranath Tagore achieved success in writing psychological novels, with ‘Chokher Bali’ being a notable example. The novels from the Kallol era and subsequent periods are regarded as particularly enriched with psychological qualities influenced by Freudian psychoanalytic theory. In the post-World War II and post-independence eras of Bengali novels, the themes centered around female psychology became more pronounced. The psychology of women and their inherent characteristics—such as love, restraint, tolerance, and maternal instincts—have been pivotal in shaping their inner worlds. Rabindranath Tagore referred to this inner world as the ‘Moner Karkhan’, where a woman’s laughter, tears, gains and losses, desires, and envy are deeply embedded mysteries. Rapid changes over time have significantly impacted women’s daily behaviors and thought processes. Under intense pressure, their thoughts and mental states sometimes become pronounced, while at other times they resonate in literature as suppressed sorrows.

           The psychological differences between men and women have often been attributed to anatomical differences. It was believed that due to these anatomical reasons, women’s destiny was inherently less mature and more adaptable than that of men, thus often being deemed inferior in personality. However, Karen Horney, the first female psychoanalyst, observed that male researchers in psychology had constructed female psychology based on male psychology. She was the first to analyze female psychology independently of Freud’s biological determinism. Although there were female psychoanalysts before her, their theories were influenced by Freudian thought.

           Modern thoughts or values impact the psychological realm of humans, playing a supportive role in the construction of character frameworks. In Gajendrakumar Mitra’s novels, the influence of both Freudian psychoanalysis and Horney’s theories is particularly evident in his female characters.

           In several of Gajendrakumar Mitra’s novels, the number of female characters exceeds that of male characters. In his analysis of female characters, he explores the diverse psychological worlds of women. The numerous female characters in his novels are realistically portrayed with psychological depth, sometimes idealistic, sometimes mysterious, sometimes base, oppressive, greedy, simple, maternal, helpless, and more.

           In this research paper, an attempt has been made to analyze the psychology of the main female characters in Gajendra kumar Mitra’s trilogy (Kolkatar Kachei, Upokanthe, Poush Faguner Pala); specifically, the characters Shyama, Uma, and Promila. Additionally, the psychological analysis extends to the character Indrani in the novel Prabhat Surya, the character Surbala in the novel Ami Kan Pete Roi, and the character Subhadra in the novel Adi Ache Anto Nei.