Unveiling the Feminine Psyche: A Karen Horneyan Analysis of Draupadi in The Palace of Illusions

Author(s)	Ms. Sagarika U K
Country	India
Abstract	Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Palace of Illusions presents a re-envisioned Draupadi, examined through a feminist lens concerning the character's psychological conflicts. This research employs Karen Horney’s Feminine Psychology to evaluate Draupadi’s character, emphasising her defiance against patriarchal conventions and her quest for self-actualisation. Draupadi’s journey reflects these psychological conflicts, as she directs her life through forced marriage, humiliation, and her desire for independence. Ultimately, the novel portrays her as a woman striving to assert her identity beyond societal expectations. This paper argues that The Palace of Illusions not only reconstructs Draupadi’s story through a feminist lens but also aligns with Horney’s vision of female self-actualisation. By connecting mythological fiction and psychological theory, this study gives a deeper understanding of Draupadi’s identity, mainly contributing to feminist literary criticism.
Keywords	Draupadi, Karen Horney, Feminine Psychology, Patriarchy, Self-Realization, Literary Feminism
Field	Arts
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 2, March-April 2025
Published On	2025-03-17
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i02.39313
Short DOI	https://doi.org/g882hw

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