Article 5     Pages: 26-33

Postmodernist Reading of Rabindranath Tagore's Chitra

Mr. Jins Jose

Research Scholar, Department of English, St Thomas College, Kozhencherry, Kerala

Email: Jinsjose103@gmail.com

Date of Publication: 30 Dec 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14976291

Abstract

Rabindranath Tagore's Chitra, a lyrical drama inspired by the Mahabharata, offers a rich text for a postmodern analysis, exploring themes of identity, gender roles, and cultural norms. The present research article examines the play through the application of postmodernist theories, with a focus on Jean-François Lyotard’s concept of fragmentation, Judith Butler's theory of gender performativity, and Michel Foucault's views on power and discourse. Tagore’s reinterpretation of the traditional narrative highlights the fluidity of identity and critiques the rigid social norms of his time. By employing a postmodern approach, this analysis reveals the multiplicity of perspectives in Chitra, shedding light on how Tagore subverts fixed identities and challenges dominant ideologies. The play's engagement with intertextuality and its critique of cultural norms serve as a powerful reflection on the complexities of human experience, inviting readers to question societal constructs and embrace a more nuanced understanding of identity and desire.

Keywords: Postmodernism, fragmentation, gender performativity, intertextuality, identity.