Student Question
Why does Ma in "Girls" by Mrinal Pande not want others to hear her speak?
Quick answer:
Ma in "Girls" by Mrinal Pande refrains from speaking openly because she perceives herself and other females as having no identity or value in a male-dominated society. Her view that girls are inferior and problematic contributes to her reluctance to be overheard, as she fears being intrusive and attracting attention in a world where women are marginalized and undervalued.
In "Girls" by Mrinal Pande, Ma sees everything as a problem. She is aggravated and distrustful. Problems continue to arise for Ma because all things and characters are problems in her eyes. The primary attitude conveyed is that girls are inferior to boys, are of less value and have no individual identity of their own in society. Because of this, Ma can't see any girl without seeing a problem. In addition, Ma doesn't want to be overheard because, as a female herself, she also has no identity and she fears being intrusive as a female in a male dominated world.
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