DefinePK

Research Objective

To analyze how through lexical choices, the author has manifested a feminist stance at the discourse level in Moni Mohsin's selected novels.

Methodology

A mixed-method approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative analysis. Sara Mills' "Three Parts Model" (1998, 2012) for feminist stylistic analysis was used. The study focused on lexical choices, focalization, fragmentation, and objectification in two novels by Moni Mohsin: "The Return of the Butterfly" (2014) and "Tender Hooks" (2015).

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A[Selection of Novels: 'The Return of the Butterfly' and 'Tender Hooks'] --> B[Application of Sara Mills' Three Parts Model];
    B --> C[Linguistic Examination at Discourse Level];
    C --> D[Analysis of Focalization, Fragmentation, Objectification, Lexical Choices];
    D --> E[Character Description Analysis Male vs. Female];
    E --> F[Identification of Patterns and Deviations from Norms];
    F --> G[Interpretation of Findings in Socio-cultural Context];
    G --> H[Conclusion on Feminist Stance];                    

Discussion

The research argues that while societal norms often blame men for female oppression, Mohsin's works highlight the complicity of women in perpetuating these norms. The study discusses how "chick-lit" as a genre, despite its lighthearted nature, can effectively convey feminist critiques. The analysis of character descriptions reveals a pattern where male characters are described by their overall appearance, signaling strength or trustworthiness, while female characters are fragmented and objectified based on their physical attractiveness and sexual appeal. This fragmentation is often initiated by other female characters, reflecting a societal tendency for women to judge and devalue each other.

Key Findings

In Mohsin's novels, the act of suppressing and objectifying women is primarily carried out by women themselves, rather than men. Women fragment and objectify their own gender, contributing to their own subjugation. This is evident in character descriptions and the use of specific lexical choices that devalue women based on appearance and marital status.

Conclusion

The study concludes that Moni Mohsin's novels, through their lexical choices at the discourse level, expose how women themselves contribute to the objectification and fragmentation of their gender. This phenomenon is deeply rooted in Pakistani socio-cultural contexts, where women's worth is often measured by their physical attractiveness and their relationship to male family members, particularly sons. The research underscores the importance of feminist stylistics in analyzing contemporary literature and its role in challenging societal inequalities.

Fact Check

1. Publication Year of "The Return of the Butterfly": The text states "The Return of the Butterfly", published in 2014. This is confirmed by the reference list.
2. Publication Year of "Tender Hooks": The text states "Tender Hooks", published in 2015. The reference list indicates Mohsin, M. (2011). Tender Hooks. This is a discrepancy.
3. Author of "Feminist Stylistics": The text frequently cites Sara Mills' "Feminist Stylistics" (1998) and "Gender Matters" (2012). These are confirmed by the reference list.

Mind Map