| Shashi Deshpande’s approach to women’s problems, as depicted in her novels, is quite distinct. It is possible to differentiate her approach from that of her contemporaries who either protest against the existing norms of the society or remain indifferent to the social system responsible for the oppression of women. Shashi Deshpande did not choose the way of protest as such, although she is loosely described as a feminist, one who is influenced by the individualistic feminism propagated by the Anglo-American feminist tradition. Deshpande’s protagonists, who are educated women and most of whom are financially in-dependent, have not necessarily developed an anti-male attitude. When one such character suffers and the husband is blamed, her father, brother or some male friend is found to be her saviour. |