MEMOIRS OF A REBEL PRINCESS: A DIFFERENT SELFHOOD

Abstract

This study is an attempt to investigate the unique position of Memoirs of Abida Sultaan in the light of two theories, that of Georges Gusdorf theory of self, and Susan Friedman’s theory of female autobiography. By using the technique of textual analysis, it finds the singular position that the Memoirs occupy in the genre of autobiography, defying rigid categories of male/ female. By eluding this binary opposition, where one is active and the other passive, the Memoirs sustain its distinctiveness and its appeal. The Memoirs possesses the characteristics of both male and female autobiographies. It is found that Abida Sultaan is never either apologetic or seeking her identity through relations. Instead, her autobiography is self-assertive and confident, much in the line of male autobiographies. She also gave importance to political history following the tradition of male autobiographies. The critical moment of the creation of Pakistan is given ample example. On the other hand, the Memoirs also abounds in such incidents which are befitting for female autobiographies. For example, her obsession for her son Shehryar, and the numerous sacrifices she made for her family. Thus Memoirs neatly incorporates characteristics of both male and female autobiographies, occupying a middle ground and securing a unique position.