Literature's Biased Views

To what extent does literature allow us to understand the biased views society has established on gender and culture?
Literature, to a great extent can allow us to differentiate between the stereotypical interpretations society has set on certain cultures and genders. Until this day, there are certain labels set on both males and females and people of different beliefs. Many pieces of literature revolve around the idea of stereotypical views and discuss concepts of stereotypes based on race, sex, or sexual preference.   Stereotypes can be defined as, “A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.” Literature has taught me, to a great extent that no matter where you may be the labels that society has put on you will forever be an ongoing factor in one’s life. Whether it is family, friends, or the environment around you, an individuals mindset in this day and age, and as the generation continues to go on has become so dependable on the sayings and teachings of society, that it is nearly unlikely for someone to base their judgements on a specific race or gender by themselves and not by what society has portrayed them as.
“It is unusual to have a daughter so highly qualified.” (Kapur, 179) Difficult Daughters, is a novel illustrating the day to day pressures and occurrences Virmati, an Indian born female has to go through. Being born in an Indian household, with many strict and traditional family members Virmati is stuck between determining what is right and what is wrong. Not only is she pressurized into ending her education, but is also continuously asked to get married and start a family. Her family believes, allowing females to pursue in high levels of education is bound to get them nowhere. The concept of having girls end their education early and start preparing themselves for marriage is very common among South Asian families, till this day. I can say this because I have encountered many family friends, and...