Formulation of Women’s Poetics: A Gynocritical Analysis of Unfettered Wings by Sana Munir

Abstract

This paper aims to offer a nuanced examination of Unfettered Wings (2018) from a feminist perspective. Through the distinct framework of gynocriticism, the study explores how this collection of short stories reflects and challenges the traditional representation of women at various levels. In particular, the study indulges in an in depth examination of the stories in light of the four dimensional model of gynocriticism that includes Biological, Linguistic, Psychological and Cultural analysis. The analysis emphasizes the role, agency, and portrayal of female characters in the stories. By examining how these characters conform to or subvert female archetypes, the study explores implications for the broader representation of women. Through a step-wise gynocritical critique, this paper explores how each story engages with gender expectations, revealing the complex, marginalized interiority of women's experiences. The research considers the broader socio-cultural context in which Sana Munir wrote, shedding light on the constraints and possibilities available to women in Pakistan. The analysis seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of how Unfettered Wings (2018) participates in and challenges the literary traditions that shape the portrayal of women specifically in Pakistan, making visible the often overlooked dimensions of women's narratives within the broader literary canon.