The Intersection of Home and Identity: An Exploration of Easterine Kire's Novel, A Respectable Woman

Abstract

Abstract

North-Eastern frontier area is very apparent region for its rich tribal culture, custom and patriarchal society as well. North-Eastern frontier zone consists of seven states, called ‘seven sisters’ by their own dialectic languages. “A Respectable Woman" is a novel by Easterine Kire, a Nagaland-based author known for her thought-provoking and nuanced portrayals of life in Nagaland and the North East region of India. Easterine Kire, born in Kohima is an Angami Naga writer. Her works are insights into the Naga culture, history and also the traditions and customs of the Angami society.

The proposed paper explores the intricate relationship between home and identity in Easterine Kire's novel A Respectable Woman. Through a nuanced analysis of the protagonist's experiences, this paper explores how the concept of home shapes and is shaped by individual identity. The novel highlights the tensions between traditional expectations and personal desires, revealing the complexities of navigating cultural norms and societal pressures. This paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersections between home, identity, and culture, shedding light on the ways in which individuals negotiate their sense of self within the context of their homes and communities.

References

1. The Oxford Anthology of Writings from North-East India edited by Tilottoma Misra (Oxford University Press, 2011)


2. Kire, E. (2014). A Respectable Woman. Zubaan Books.


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4. Schoulder-Ocak, Meryam, editor, Trauma and Migration: Cultural Factors in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Traumatised Immigrants. Springer. 2015.


5. Food and Culture: A Reader edited by Carole M. Counihan and Penny Van Esterik (Routledge, 2013)