Critically analyse the representation of women in ‘Liandova and Tuaisiala.’
Liandova and Tuaisiala is a folk tale from Mizoram that has been passed down through generations. It tells the story of two brothers, their adventures, and their bond. While the tale mainly focuses on the actions and virtues of the male characters, it also provides important insights into the representation of women in Mizo folklore and traditional society. A close reading reveals how women are portrayed in terms of roles, values, and limitations within the cultural context.
1. Women as Moral Anchors
Though the central plot revolves around the brothers, the women characters play critical supporting roles. The mother figure in the story is shown as loving and nurturing. She provides emotional support and helps in guiding the younger characters. Her role reflects the traditional expectation of women as caregivers who are central to maintaining family bonds and cultural values.
2. Limited Agency and Silence
One of the most noticeable aspects of the story is that women have very little agency. Their actions are mostly limited to supporting male characters. They do not make significant decisions nor drive the plot forward. This limited role is representative of the patriarchal structure of traditional tribal society, where women’s voices were often marginalized or unheard.
3. Symbol of Virtue and Purity
The women in the story are often symbolic of moral values. They are expected to be pure, obedient, and emotionally strong. These characteristics are idealized and used to define a woman’s worth in the story. Such portrayals can be problematic because they set unrealistic standards and reduce women to one-dimensional characters.
4. The Woman as the Reward
In many folk tales, including this one, women are often portrayed as rewards for bravery or moral behavior. In Liandova and Tuaisiala, the female characters are not shown to have personal goals or growth. Instead, they are presented as secondary figures, often used to complete the journeys of male heroes. This reflects a traditional mindset that values women more for their utility in male narratives than for their own identities.
5. Cultural Context and Preservation
It’s important to understand that the representation of women in this folk tale is shaped by its cultural and historical context. The story was passed down in a time when gender roles were rigid, and women’s freedom was limited. Even though these portrayals may seem outdated today, they help preserve the values, beliefs, and social norms of traditional Mizo society.
6. Need for Reinterpretation
Today, scholars and storytellers are re-examining such folk tales through a feminist lens. There is a growing effort to reinterpret these stories to highlight the strength, intelligence, and individuality of women characters. Doing so helps create a more balanced and inclusive view of culture and history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Liandova and Tuaisiala presents women as nurturing, virtuous, but mostly passive characters. While the tale reflects the values of its time, it also reveals the limitations placed on women in traditional narratives. A critical analysis allows us to question these portrayals and encourages a rethinking of gender roles in literature and society. This opens the door to more inclusive and empowering representations of women in future storytelling.