25th Annual Student Research Conference
Questioning the Traditional Role of Motherhood in Tahmima Anam's A Golden Age
Amy N. Sallwasser
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
In Tahmima Anam's first novel, A Golden Age, Rehana Haque must choose whether to protect her family in the Bangladesh War for Independence through traditional motherhood or through a more masculine approach. Drawing on Postcolonial Feminist theory, this paper will explore the ways in which the national war efforts both challenge and empower feminine independence. As the Bangladesh War escalates, Rehana is torn between the conventional role of motherhood and being sufficiently protective of her children. Rehana struggles to shield her children and yet give them the freedom to fight in the war. In the process, Rehana affirms that although she is only a woman by societys standards, mothers have the courage and perseverance often claimed by men.
Keywords: Postcolonial Feminist Theory, traditional motherhood, feminine independence, Bangladesh War, Tahmima Anam, A Golden Age
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 312-1
Location: VH 1408
Time: 1:00