Abstract

This article focuses on analyzing Indian writer Advaita Kala’s debut novel Almost Single from two perspectives: that of the typical Indian woman who has been emancipated by feminism’s achievements and that of the intersection of postfeminism and queer theory. The novel is based on the ideology of postfeminism, a theoretical framework that affords women the agency to embody both femininity and attractiveness while simultaneously embracing feminist principles. This emerging phenomenon is a novel manifestation of empowerment, tailored to the specific socio-cultural milieu of the present era. The foundations of this emerging feminism encompass principles such as autonomy, personal agency, the pursuit of sexual gratification, the influence of consumerism, the realm of fashion, the blending of diverse cultural influences, the use of humor, and the revitalized emphasis on the female physique. With its focus on themes of sexuality, female solidarity, independence, and the pursuit of romantic relationships, the novel seeks to challenge conventional gender norms by portraying a typical urban single woman and her companions. This article undertakes an examination of the extent to which the characters exercise agency in their personal lives, sexuality, actions, and decisions, while also exploring the influence of the desires of modern Indian women on the evolving concept of masculinity.