THEMES IN KAMALA DAS POETRY

Abstract

Kamala Das, being reputedly the first confessional poet in Indian English literature, felt bold that, weaving around ideas of love, identity, desires, and the shifting intricacies of womanhood. Her poetry joins in that unique mixture between a person's struggle and society's expectation, setting the tale simultaneously as personal and universal. In her fearless articulation of female sexuality, marital sore, loneliness, and existential angst, Das poses a challenge to patriarchal norms and raises the voice of experiences silenced by womanhood. This paper discusses the major themes of Das's poetry, analyzing how her frank and passionate style redefined the discussion concerning feminism, individuality, and creative freedom in Indian literature.