Analysing the Representation of Queer Community in Indian Literature from the Standpoint of a Straight Reader

Abstract

This thesis explores the pedagogical impact of queer literature on straight readers in informal settings, analyzing two contemporary novels: My Father’s Garden (English) by Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar and Pariyon ke Beech (Hindi) by Ruth Vanita. Through 22 reviews—spanning mainstream media, personal blogs, and academic critiques—this study examines how these narratives shape straight readers’ perceptions of homosexuality within North Indian society, where social and cultural stigma persists. In addition to analyzing reader responses, I conduct a scholarly review of these texts, assessing their interpretation through Foucault’s Author-Function and Gerard Genette’s Transtextuality and Paratextuality. Set 200 years apart yet within the same geographical space, these novels offer a comparative view of queer communities across historical contexts. Grounded in literary theories, including Felski’s Modes of Engagement and Narrative Transportation, and drawing on queer theorists such as Judith Butler, Gayatri Gopinath, and Heather Love, this research investigates how straight readers engage with and interpret queer narratives. The findings indicate that queer literature serves as an important tool for educating contemporary readers about queer identities within their own traditions. Furthermore, it fosters empathy among straight readers, though the extent of its impact varies based on prior understanding of homosexuality. Situated at the intersection of identity politics and the temporality of queerness in Indian culture, this thesis underscores literature’s role in education and reflection. In societies where direct interaction between heterosexual and queer individuals is limited, fictional narratives bridge social divides and promote understanding beyond formal learning spaces. This research contributes to the discourse on queer literature in India, illustrating its power to foster inclusivity through reading practices.