In Chitra by Rabindranath Tagore, the title character learns that it is more important to be herself than to try to be the proverbial perfect woman—this is the play's feminist message. Let's look at it in more detail.

Chitra is a warrior princess, raised to pursue traditionally male activities because her father lacks a male heir. She is pleased with that life until she catches sight of the warrior Arjuna. Suddenly she wants to learn how to use her “feminine wiles,” and she wants to be beautiful. Two of the gods give her this gift, and she attracts Arjuna.

Yet this does not satisfy Chitra, for she knows that Arjuna is not in love with the real Chitra, just a show. They spend a year together, but Chitra never tells Arjuna about her past or who she really is. Eventually, he becomes rather dissatisfied because he does not really know he beloved. Chitra finally reveals her true identity, and her worries that Arjuna will no longer love her prove to be unfounded. He loves her more than ever now that he knows who she really is.