FEMALE EXPERIENCE AND SELF-DISCOVERY IN THE LIVES OF GIRLS AND WOMEN

Name of Author : M. Arifa Begam, V Hemalatha

Abstract: This paper examines female experience and self discovery in Lives of Girls and Women by Alice Munro. Set in the small town of Jubilee, the novel follows the growth of Del Jordan from childhood to early adulthood, presenting a realistic portrayal of a young girls emotional, intellectual, and sexual development. Through Dels observations of the women around her especially her unconventional mother, Ada Munro highlights the restrictive gender roles imposed by a patriarchal society. The novel explores how marriage, religion, and social expectations shape womens lives while simultaneously limiting their ambitions. Dels journey reflects a gradual awakening as she questions traditional definitions of femininity and seeks independence through education and writing. Her experiences with love, sexuality, and social pressure contribute to her understanding of identity as complex and evolving. Munro presents self-discovery not as a single transformative moment but as an ongoing process influenced by environment, relationships, and personal reflection. Ultimately, the novel affirms the importance of female voice and artistic expression in shaping ones identity and resisting societal constraints.

Keywords : Female experience, Self-discovery, Identity, Gender roles, Patriarchy, Sexual awakening, Feminism, Coming of age, Independence, Artistic ambition.

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