Patriarchy and Politics of Subjugation: A Feminist Critique of Bina Shah’s Before She Sleeps

Abstract

The world continues to be shaped by patriarchal norms in which women are often reduced to mere objects and commodities. This pervasive issue has reached a critical stage, necessitating scholarly attention. Therefore, this research examines the patriarchal subjugation of women in Bina Shah’s dystopian novel Before She Sleeps, through the lens of feminist theory. As a prominent Pakistani author, Shah presents a powerful depiction of a society where women’s autonomy, identities, and bodies are systematically commodified and regulated by patriarchal forces. The novel critically reflects on the political and social dimensions of this commodification, drawing attention to the resulting dehumanization and marginalization of women. At the same time, Shah illustrates the characters’ resilience, focusing on their pursuit of self-determination and defiance against objectification. The analysis reveals that women in the narrative are not regarded as complete individuals but are instead valued solely for their reproductive function. Moreover, the novel’s portrayal of gender-based oppression offers meaningful contributions to ongoing conversations about women's rights, agency, and resistance in dystopian literature. This research adds valuable insight to feminist literary discourse by highlighting how dystopian fiction can serve as a critical space for challenging and exposing patriarchal ideologies.