Kamala Das: A Poet Who Loads Every Rift of Her Subject with the Ore of Personal and Self Mythology

Abstract

The present research paper is structured into three distinct sections, each rigorously examining various dimensions of mythology within the context of Kamala Das' poetics. The initial section offers a comprehensive analysis of the concepts of myth and mythology, focusing specifically on personal and self-mythology. It seeks to elucidate common misconceptions regarding their origins, meanings, and inherent characteristics, traversing the continuum from classical myths to the intricacies of individual and self-mythological constructs. The subsequent section critically investigates the pervasive influence of patriarchal structures in shaping Das' life and, consequently, her personal and self-mythology. It raises essential questions regarding the extent to which her work mirrors existing myths or transcends them, thereby contributing to broader discussions on gender and narrative agency. Finally, the paper robustly examines the practical manifestations of personal and self-mythology within her poetics. It highlights significant life events, foundational beliefs, and core values that inform her writing, while also assessing her innovative integration of mythological elements throughout her oeuvre. Utilizing diverse research methodologies and textual analyses, this paper aims to illuminate the complexities of her poetry, positioning Kamala Das as a poet who intricately intertwines personal and self-mythologies into the fabric of her literary endeavours.