MARITAL CHALLENGE: PORTRAYAL OF WOMEN CHARACTERS THROUGH A FEMINIST LENS

This qualitative study utilized Formalistic Approach and Feministic Approach in identifying and discussing the main female characters' characteristics, their struggles and the concept of Feminism in the selected novels - A Thousand Splendid Suns (2007) by Khaled Hoseini and The God of Small Things (1998) by Arundhati Roy. The results showed that the major female characters of the two (2) novels are submissive, inferior, unfortunate, illiterate, and unhappy.. however, a believer of God, decisive, strong and hardworking. All of the major female characters suffered varied forms of victimization and oppression in a patriarchal society. These women protagonists were singled out by society and were forced to face untimely marital challenges. Despite facing varied forms of victimization social struggle, physical struggle and psychological struggle the women protagonists have survival strategies that ultimately led them to achieve a new phase of self-awareness. Thus, these women were able to voice out their protest against male domination through their stories.