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Everything changes. Yet, nothing does. Here's a story to explain this paradox beautifully.
Everything changes. Yet, nothing does. Here’s a story to explain this paradox beautifully.
One of the top 5 entries for November’s Muse of the Month writing theme, with the cue “The more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!” from Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.
England. Year: 1805.
“But I thought you loved me!” She said.
He looked indifferent. “Now, Miss Austen… Jane… I am so sorry, but if a man has to live in society, he must earn its respect. Thus, our courtship can last no longer! “
“And may I know why?” She asked.
He replied:” Your ideas are rather radical for a proper lady. You said you wished to continue writing after marriage, and that cannot be. You also said you still wanted to go to Bath, alone, every winter, even after being wedded. I need a dutiful wife, not an adventuress. I will be the laughing stock if I am seen as a spineless lord and husband. You should be content with managing the house, and having children.”
This was enough. She took a carriage home and went straight to her writing desk. She wouldn’t be held back by anything! Filling her fountain pen with ink, she wrote:” “The more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!”
India. Year: 2014.
“I’m sorry, but this cannot work.” He said.
“And why is that?” She asked.
“You are too independent. You still want to go clubbing and drinking with your friends after we are married. You said you wouldn’t switch to a regular teaching job to take care of the house. That trekking trip to Himalayas, all alone, is too adventurous! Don’t you think you should focus on settling down and making my house a home? All this was fine when we were dating, but things will have to change after marriage. My parents think you are too modern and controlling. I can’t marry you.”
“Well…I should go.” She paid her half of the bill, and rushed home.
She was disappointed! How stupid of her to think he would be different! She took out her diary and wrote: “The more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!”
Sartre was right. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Pic credit: Image of lovers holding hands via Shutterstock.
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People say that women are the greatest enemies of women. I vehemently disagree. It is the patriarchal mindset that makes women believe in the wrong ideology.
The entire world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. It should be a joyful day, but unfortunately, not all women are entitled to this privilege, as violence against women is at its peak. The experience of oppression pushes many women to choose freedom. As far as patriotism is concerned, feminism is not a cup of tea in this society.
What happens when a woman decides to stand up for herself? Does this world easily accept the decisions of women in this society? What inspires them to be free of the clutches of the oppression that women have faced for ages? Most of the time, women do not get the chance to decide for themselves. Their lives are always at the mercy of someone, which can be their parents, siblings, husband, or children.
In some cases, women do not feel the need to make any decisions. They are taught to obey the patriarchal system, which makes them believe that they are right. In my family, I was never taught to make decisions on my own. It was always my parents who bought dresses and all that I needed.
14 years after her last feature film Dhobi Ghat, storyteller extraordinaire comes up with her new film, Laapataa Ladies, a must watch.
*Some spoilers alert*
Every religion around the world dictates terms to women. The onus is always on women to be ‘modest’ and cover their faces and bodies so men can’t be “tempted”, rather than on men to keep their eyes where they belong and behave like civilized beings. So much so that even rape has been excused on the grounds of women eating chowmein or ‘men will be men’. I think the best Hindi movie retort to this unwanted advice on ‘akeli ladki khuli tijori ki tarah hoti hai’ (an alone woman is like an open jewellery box) came from Geet in Jab We Met – Kya aap gyan dene ke paise lete hain kyonki chillar nahin hain mere paas.
The premise of Laapataa Ladies is beautifully simple – two brides clad in the ghunghat that covers their identity get mixed up on a train. Within this Russian Doll, you get a comedy of errors, a story of getting lost, a commentary on patriarchy’s attitude towards women, a mystery, and a tale of finding oneself, all in one. Done with a mostly light touch that has you laughing and nodding along.
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