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@article{189458,
        author = {Mrs. RAJESHWARI M.P and Dr. Selvalakshmi A},
        title = {Interplay of Trauma and Healing in Anita Nair’s "Ladies’ Coupe"},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {7},
        pages = {5814-5819},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=189458},
        abstract = {Anita Nair's "Ladies Coupe" explores the intersection of trauma and healing through the stories of six women from different walks of life, traveling together in a train compartment. The novel highlights the struggles women face in a patriarchal society, including trauma, subjection, and societal expectations. The realistic picture of the humble and often miserable lives of the peasantry women, the destitution and injustice in villages is presented through Marikolanthu, whose innocence was destroyed by one night of lust. In Mari's life we find ample material for wonder, terror and transport. Some incidents every cause aversion and unbelief. In the sad, toilsome, exploited and erring life of Mari, Anita Nair exposes the practical motives which govern human actions bringing a touch of brutal honesty to the otherwise uncomplicated life story of comfortable women. In an era when it is alright to express oneself frankly, the sensitive issue of homo sexuality is bound to come. The issue still being in its nascent stage in this country, the writer deals with it gracefully. Mari's encounter with the two Lesbian English Doctor influences her expression of devotion to Sujatha. Anita Nair has moulded her thoughts into easy and significant words without any superfluities of expression. In spite of all the turmoil and horrors she experienced, thirty-one-year-old Mari, a maid servant and a helper, ultimately wrests control of her destiny and seeks, measure of happiness for herself and her thirteen years old son Muthu whose existence she has ignored until now. Marikolunthu, one of the central characters in Anita Nair’s Ladies Coupe, represents the complexities of marginalization, resilience, and eventual empowerment in the face of immense personal trauma. Born into poverty and deprived of many choices, Marikolunthu’s life is shaped by the rigid expectations of a patriarchal society. Her story is marked by profound suffering, beginning with sexual violence, which leads to an unwanted pregnancy and social ostracism. As a single mother, she faces scorn and isolation, struggling to reclaim her dignity. However, what makes Marikolunthu’s narrative striking is her slow but determined journey toward reclaiming her agency. Instead of succumbing to the circumstances that continuously suppress her, she finds strength in her work and in asserting control over her life. Nair portrays Marikolunthu as a complex figure who challenges the conventional portrayal of victimhood, showing that resilience is not linear and empowerment comes in subtle, sometimes unconventional ways. Marikolunthu’s character stands testament to the struggles of women on the fringes of society and their potential for rebirth, even after devastating hardship.},
        keywords = {Trauma, miserable, exploit, Marikolunthu, innocence, destroyed, victimhood, resilience, Anita Nair, Ladies’ Coupe.},
        month = {December},
        }