Analyzing Kamala Das's Poetry Through the Lens of Feminist Literary Criticism, The Poetics of the Personal"

ABSTRACT:- This paper critically explores the poetry of Kamala Das through the framework of feminist literary criticism, emphasizing her distinctive use of the “Poetics of the Personal.” Kamala Das, a pioneering voice in Indian English literature, is renowned for her candid exploration of female subjectivity, sexuality, identity, and emotional vulnerability. Through a confessional and deeply personal style, Das challenged the prevailing patriarchal norms that historically silenced women's experiences. The study highlights how her poetry, shaped by autobiographical elements and bold thematic content, confronts traditional gender roles, interrogates the institution of marriage, and reclaims female agency and voice. Drawing on key feminist theoretical concepts—such as the critique of patriarchal structures, the assertion of female identity, and the deconstruction of socially constructed gender roles—the paper demonstrates how Das’s work functions as a radical literary intervention. By analyzing select poems, including “An Introduction,” “The Old Playhouse,” and “My Grandmother’s House,” the study showcases Das’s vital contribution to feminist discourse in Indian literature, establishing her legacy as a transformative figure in articulating women’s lived realities.