Intersections: a Journey towards Empowerment of Women in Australian and Bengali Folk Tales

Abstract

This paper attempts a comparison between the folk tales of the Australian aborigines and the rural societies of Bengal. Through an analysis of the commonality of themes, modes of narration, the significance and symbolism of each set of tales and the variations they undergo when narrated by different sets of tellers, this paper tries to establish a partnership between ethnic societies across the world with particular emphasis on the projection of women in their folk narratives. It also highlights the necessity for self expression experienced by these women who are the worst victims of a dominator culture and how the tale becomes a fulfillment of their desire for liberation from their predicament.

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