A Feminist Perspective in the Poetry of Kamala Das

Abstract

Kamala Das stands as one of the most powerful and controversial voices in Indian English poetry. Her poetry challenges traditional patriarchal structures, articulates female desire, and foregrounds women’s emotional and psychological experiences. This research paper critically examines Kamala Das’s poetry from a feminist perspective, exploring her thematic concerns, stylistic features, confessional tone, and portrayal of gender relations. The study investigates how her poetry subverts patriarchal norms, interrogates female identity, and reclaims the female body and voice. Through close textual analysis of her major poems such as An Introduction, The Looking Glass, The Sunshine Cat, The Old Playhouse, and My Grandmother’s House, this paper highlights Das’s contribution to feminist discourse in Indian English literature. The research establishes Kamala Das as a pioneering feminist poet whose work continues to inspire debates on gender, sexuality, and selfhood.