SOCIAL MARGINALIZATION AND FEMALE IDENTITY IN JHUMPA LAHIRI’S “THE TREATMENT OF BIBI HALDAR”

Annotasiya

This thesis explores the themes of social marginalization and female identity in Jhumpa Lahiri’s short story “The Treatment of Bibi Haldar.” It analyzes how societal expectations shape the perception of women who do not conform to traditional roles. The study focuses on Bibi Haldar as a marginalized figure whose identity is constructed and controlled by her community. The research argues that Lahiri critiques rigid social norms and highlights the possibility of identity formation beyond societal limitations. The transformation of Bibi Haldar represents resistance to imposed definitions and reveals the complexity of female identity in a restrictive cultural environment.