Problematizing the Self and the Social: A Study of the Plight of Women in Jean Sasson‘s Novel Princess : A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia

Aswathy K Sudheer; Devi K

Volume : IX, Issue : V, May - 2019

Problematizing the Self and the Social: A Study of the Plight of Women in Jean Sasson‘s Novel Princess : A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia

Aswathy K Sudheer, Devi K

Abstract :

“Princess” is the excruciating story of a Saudi Arabian Princess Sultana, a royal woman who lives in the most privileged of material lives yet held back in a gilded cage. She has no freedom, no control over her own life, no value but as a bearer of sons. Hidden behind her black floor–length veil, she is a prisoner, ignored by her father, abused by her husband, scorned by her other and her country. Hailing from culture facing untold oppression of women, Sultana ings light to many aspects of her life and pulls back the veil of female oppression. This work opens our eyes to action, not simply to be closed and put down with a sigh at the end but to drive us to take action for those who cannot. This paper expounds to analyse the aspects of oppression faced by the Saudi Arabian women in the novel Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia by Jean Sasson. (Here after referred to as Princess). The focus of the study, from a feminist –cultural perspective is on the experience of discrimination and oppression, as precipitated in Saudi Arabian society, under the aegis of a rigid and rigorous socio–cultural and religious system, dogmatized by patriarchy.