Is the Difficult Daughter Difficult: An analysis of Family in Manju Kapur’s Difficult Daughters

English, Humanities

Family is the central theme in Manju Kapur’s Difficult Daughters. The novel narrates the story of the traditional Indian family system and the lives of women within these families. Although the story is set in pre-independence India, the character Virmati embodies a spirit that transcends her era. She is independent, and her decisions are just as impactful as those of men. In every Kapur novel, it is evident that she highlights the struggles of Indian women, along with their resilience within the family structure, while showcasing how men's decisions are perceived as holistic and powerful reflecting the patriarchal family system. This study intends to analyze and find how Kapur represents family in Difficult Daughters, how she portrays both female and male characters, and in what way Virmathi is differs from others. A qualitative research methodology, including analytical and content analysis approaches, was employed for this study.

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