The Well-behaved Woman: Womanhood in Pakistani Nationalism and its Representation in Selected Novels

Abstract

This research project explores the normative values of womanhood in Pakistani nationalism and their representation in the novels Aks, Nobody Killed Her, and Neeli Bar. The study begins by discussing the influence of the Aligarh Movement in shaping a fixed identity of Muslim women in the subcontinent and its impact on Pakistani nationalism. It examines how ideals of femininity and masculinity are ingrained in Pakistani nationalism and aims to demonstrate the link between the past Aligarh Movement and present-day Pakistan through an analysis of selected primary texts. The emphasis on gender roles in Pakistani nationalism is analysed, leading to discussions on gender-based segregation, limited access to education, and male ownership of women. Lastly, the primary texts are also examined for their depiction of strong female characters who challenge societal norms. The study concludes by reflecting on the protagonists' resilience and their limitations within societal expectations and historical ideologies surrounding womanhood.