Comparative Analysis of Dowry Problem Revealed in the Stories written by Premchand and Martin Wikramasinghe

Abstract

The Period of Premchand is 1880-1936 and Martin Wickramasinghe 1890-1976. Premchand is from India and Martin Wickramasinghe from Sri Lanka. Both writers had to struggle and face a lot of hardships in their period. Premchand and Martin Wickramasinghe are identified as phenomenal writers and trend setters of their time. However, many similarities are found in both the writers’ short stories. Dowry Problem is one of them. Dowry Problem is one of the main malpractices in India. In Sri Lanka, it exists as a minor problem. Due to dowry problem the ladies have to get discordant marriages. As a result, the life of a lady can be ruined. The birth of a girl child is a great worry for an Indian couple. The short stories- ‘Narak Ka Marg’ and ‘Kusum’ written by Premchand, depict how the dowry problem affects the Indian Society badly. Martin Wickramasinghe’s short stories- ‘Gahaniyak’, ‘Magul Gethara’ reveal the same problem in Sri Lanka.