Jibanananda Dasher Chotagalpo : Narir Jibon Jatilatar Swarup (জীবনানন্দ দাশের ছোটগল্প : নারীর জীবন-জটিলতার স্বরূপ)

Abstract

Jibanananda Das holds great significance in the realm of contemporary Bengali literature. Although he is well-known among readers as a poet, but his contribution to the field of fiction is undeniable. He has vast collection of short stories, which feature a variety of female characters. One notable thematic element observed in Jibanananda 's short stories pertains to the depiction of women's experiences from various societal, familial, and individual perspectives. The author's stories also incorporate artistic representations of adverse occurrences in his personal life. He himself never found women to be a symbol of tenderness. Persistent doubt, cynicism, and avoidance perpetually afflicted his personal existence. However, he possessed a profound inclination for the beauty and empathy exhibited by women. Hence, the writer's profound longing to attain the affection of women is reflected in his narratives. Jibanananda presents a distinct portrayal of women in his short stories, deviating from the conventional perception of women in Indian society. Therefore, the hardness and lovelessness of their hearts are more visible in the short stories than their natural tenderness. This article explores the impact of the challenges, disruptions, and hardships experienced by women on the psychological well-being of their husbands within the framework of marital relationships. The characterization of female characters in his narratives was also influenced by the socio-economic context of that time. Due to unemployment, the educated, sensitive male characters in his stories must live a life of extreme humiliation. And naturally, his heat has come on the female character associated with the hero. Furthermore, Jibanananda Das's short stories depict a situation where the daughter-in-law's life is put at risk because of the mother-in-law's negative behaviors. The female characters in his short-stories have encountered numerous obstacles because of the anguish associated with shattered dreams related to marriage, the subjugation of women within patriarchal systems, and society's limited perception of women. The female character in Jibanananda's short story experiences a sense of misery and solitude because of the prevailing feelings of despair and melancholy in contemporary society. Consequently, the female characters within his narratives have a tendency towards self-absorption, disregarding societal norms and expectations. The objective of this essay is to examine the contextual factors and inherent intricacy of the lives of the female characters portrayed in the author's narratives.