NEGOTIATING GENDER AND IDENTITY: A POSTCOLONIAL FEMINIST ANALYSIS OF AHMAD’S THE GATEKEEPER'S WIFE

Abstract

The present research study aims at exploring the postcolonial feminist themes in Rukhsana Ahmad’s The Gatekeeper’s Wife, focusing on the intersectionality of gender, identity, and cultural oppression in postcolonial Pakistan. By analyzing Ahmad’s portrayal of female characters, the study investigates how societal expectations, colonial legacies, and patriarchal norms shape women’s experiences, particularly within the institution of marriage. Through a close reading and text-based analysis, the research seeks to uncover the challenges these women face in reconciling their traditional roles with modern aspirations. The study also examines how Ahmad’s narratives provide a critical lens on women’s emotional resilience, empowerment, and their continuous struggle for agency within oppressive socio-cultural frameworks. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on postcolonial feminist literature by offering insights into the complex dynamics of gender and identity in a postcolonial context. Furthermore, it underscores the potential of literature as a tool for raising awareness of women’s issues and advocating for societal transformation in Pakistan.