An Exploration of Feminine Sensibility in Jane Austen’s Emma (1816) and Ismat Chugtai’s The Crooked Line (1943)

Abstract

This study analyses The Crooked Line by Ismat Chugtai and Emma by Jane Austen for the subject of feminine sensibility. The intricacies of female relationships and the demands made on women to live up to society standards and expectations are highlighted in both works' nuanced depictions of feminine sensibility in their respective countries. While Chugtai emphasises female freedom, independence, and the pursuit of personal objectives and aspirations, Austen's image places a greater emphasis on decency, decorum, and social conventions. Despite their differences, both pieces question conventional gender norms and present a complex view of how women fit into society. The conclusion highlights the similarities and contrasts between the two works after providing a comparative examination of them both.

Introduction

A common issue in literature, particularly in the works of female authors, is the expression of feminine sensitivity. Famous authors from the 19th and 20th centuries, Jane Austen and Ismat Chugtai, respectively, have both portrayed the feminine sensibility in their writings. Two literary works—Austen's Emma and Chugtai's The Crooked Line—present complex portraits of feminine sensibility in their distinct civilizations. This essay examines how feminine sensibility is portrayed in The Crooked Line and Emma, showing its parallels and divergences.

Feminine Sensibility in Emma

The feminine mentality in the Regency era is expertly portrayed in Jane Austen's novel Emma. The main character, Emma, is a rich, independent woman who is well-known for her abilities at matchmaking. Emma's persona typifies the era's feminine sensibility, which placed an emphasis on decency, social conventions, and decorum. Emma's actions are dictated by her feeling of duty and loyalty to society, which frequently causes her to meddle in other people's love relationships.

The examination of feminine sensitivity in regard to marriage and courting is one of Emma's central concerns. Austen illustrates the many phases of romance and the pressures on women to uphold social standards. Emma herself is hesitant to be married and dislikes the concept of getting hitched. She finally gives in to social constraints by being married to Mr. Knightley, proving that she is not immune to cultural forces.

Emma shows that Austen's depiction of feminine sensibility goes beyond romance and marriage. She also looks at the emotional connection and complexity of female friendship. The connection between Emma and Harriet Smith is a perfect illustration of this. Emma adopts Harriet and works to elevate her social standing by helping her find a compatible partner. However, Emma's interference causes misunderstandings and damaged feelings, which strains their friendship.

Feminine Sensibility in The Crooked Line

The Crooked Line by Ismat Chugtai is a book that examines the difficulties women experience in a patriarchal culture. Shamman, the main character, is a determined woman who challenges social conventions and expectations. The feminine sensibility of the period, which emphasised female independence, self-reliance, and uniqueness, is embodied by Shamman's character.

The investigation of feminine sensibility in relation to societal expectations and 

gender norms is one of The Crooked Line's central topics. In a culture where males predominate, Chugtai explores the challenges encountered by women as they attempt to fulfil the conventional responsibilities of wife and mother. Conflicts with her family and society arise as a result of Shamman's reluctance to fit into these positions. Her family and society disapprove of her decision to forgo marriage in favour of a profession.

Chugtai does not just express feminine sensibility in terms of cultural norms and gender roles in The Crooked Line. She also looks at the power dynamics and emotional intricacies of female relationships. Shamman's bond with her mother is a perfect illustration of this. Shamman's mother is presented as a conventional woman who aspires to her daughter's conformity to society norms. Due to their divergent perspectives on gender roles and cultural expectations, their relationship is strained.

Comparison of Feminine Sensibility in Emma and The Crooked Line

Although the themes of feminine sensibility are explored in both The Crooked Line and Emma, they do so in different ways. The Regency age, when women were expected to adhere to conventional conventions and expectations, is where Austen got her inspiration for her portrayal of feminine sensibility. Emma portrays a feminine sensibility that places a strong emphasis on decency, decorum, and social expectations. Emma is motivated by a feeling of social responsibility and a desire to retain her social standing. The image of feminine sensibility in Chugtai, on the other hand, is grounded in a more contemporary culture where women are encouraged to question conventional expectations and establish their uniqueness. The Crooked Line portrays a feminine sensibility that places an emphasis on female empowerment, independence, and the pursuit of personal objectives and aspirations.

Their depictions of female relationships are another clear distinction between the two pieces. In Emma, Jane Austen emphasises the emotional connection between women and the complications that might develop in such relationships. An excellent illustration of this is Emma's friendship with Harriet. On the other side, Chugtai's portrayal of female relationships in The Crooked Line places a strong emphasis on the power dynamics within such relationships. A good illustration of this is Shamman's connection with her mother.

The Crooked Line and Emma both offer complex depictions of feminine sensibility and the struggles encountered by women in their different communities, despite these distinctions. Both pieces emphasise the difficulties of female relationships and the pressures that women face to live up to cultural standards. Both books also question conventional gender norms and present complex viewpoints on the place of women in society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a recurring issue in literature, particularly in the works of female authors, is the investigation of feminine sensitivity. The Crooked Line by Ismat Chugtai and Emma by Jane Austen both offer complex portraits of feminine sensibility in their own civilizations. While Chugtai's representation of feminine sensibility in The Crooked Line emphasises female empowerment, self-reliance, and the pursuit of personal aims and ambitions, Austen's portrayal of feminine sensibility in Emma places emphasis on decency, decorum, and societal conventions. Both works stress the difficulties encountered by women in their respective communities and question conventional gender norms, despite their variances.

Works Cited

1. Austen, Jane. Emma. Penguin Classics, 2003.
2. Chugtai, Ismat. The Crooked Line. Women Unlimited, 2003.
3. Gilbert, Sandra M., and Susan Gubar. The Madwoman in the Attic: The Woman Writer and the Nineteenth-Century Literary Imagination. Yale University Press, 2000.
4. Johnson, Claudia L. "Feminist Critical Theory and Literary History." A Companion to Literary Theory, edited by David Richter, Blackwell, 2001, pp. 250-267.
5. Leavis, F.R. "Thoughts on Jane Austen." Scrutiny, vol. 1, no. 2, 1932, pp. 106-122.
6. Showalter, Elaine. A Literature of Their Own: British Women Novelists from Bronte to Lessing. Princeton University Press, 1977.

Author Detail:

Khushboo Bansal (Khushboo Bansal is a versatile writer who dabbles in various genres, including mystery, suspense, & fiction. Her passion for writing is reflected in her works, which are known for their strong characters, intriguing plots, and vivid descriptions.)

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