The Politics of Representing Gender and Sexuality in Arundhati Roy’s Selected Books

Abstract

Arundhati Roy, through her powerful blend of fiction and non-fiction, shatters conventional representations of gender and sexuality in contemporary India. This paper delves into Roy's work, specifically “Broken Republic” (non-fiction essays) and “The Ministry of Utmost Happiness” (novel), to explore how she dismantles societal expectations across different social backgrounds. “Broken Republic” serves as a potent critique, where Roy exposes the patriarchal structures and dominant narratives that confine and define gender and sexuality. The contrasting titles, “Khwabgah” (dream world) and “Kondh” (an indigenous tribe), hint at the spectrum Roy explores. Through this comparison, we can analyse how Roy portrays the experiences of marginalised communities like women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and religious minorities, who face various forms of discrimination that intersect with their gender and sexual identities. This research paper examines how Roy employs both fiction and non-fiction to champion agency and resistance. Ultimately, the paper also explores how Roy uses her voice to amplify those silenced by societal norms, advocating for social change and a more inclusive vision of both gender and sexuality in contemporary India. The paper uses intersectionality theory to examine and analyse the two texts to bring out the nuances in how Roy has portrayed women and transgender individuals and the power dynamics that exist in their respective worlds.