Narratives Stereotypical Roles and their Counter-Narrative: A Feminist Analysis of the Verdict by Osman Haneef

Abstract

This paper explores Haneef's novel "The Verdict" (2021), aiming to unveil the stereotypical roles of genders and their counter-narratives in the context of feminism through a qualitative analysis of textual lines. On the one hand, some characters conform to their socially constructed roles, while on the other hand, some characters seem averse to conventional gender roles and nature. Moreover, both kinds of characters depict the lifestyle of two different factions of society. Stereotypical characters are the conventional representation of patriarchy, where women are marginalized, objectified, and oppressed by men. Men are shown as rational, cruel, and oppressors. Characters crafted in the counter-narrative are independent, break stereotypes, and bring the feminist version, introducing us to independent women with significant societal roles. Men are shown as protectors, partners, kind, polite, and loving. By contrasting the two kinds of characters, this paper tries to reveal the changing trend from stereotypical roles to modern roles in the light of feminism.