Strengthening of Self through Language: Breast Stories by Mahasweta Devi

Abstract

Language is a man made approach. It is a device to establish rapport and
communication at all levels in man’s life. It is very difficult to put the saddle on to the
horse of life without language. As Shakespeare also said that empty or hollow words
without significant thoughts “never to heaven go”. Language is essential to connect
as well as to remain within the limited circle of fringes of humanity also, language is
mandatory. So it precisely becomes a tool for strengthening and empowerment of
one’s own social arena. Mahasweta Devi, although writes in Bengali, yet when her
works were translated by Gayatri Chakraborty Spivak , we are exposed to a new world
where women stand not only as an emblem of success but true to themselves. Breast
Stories is a collection of three short stories. It talks about the abuse of women in the most
violent ways possible. Women, who have not attended any school