In Where Shall We Go This Summer? (1975), the relationship between the husband, Sashi, and the wife, Sumati (often referred to as Sumi), is central to the novel’s exploration of the emotional, psychological, and social struggles that individuals face within the confines of marriage. The novel, written by the acclaimed Indian writer Nayantara Sahgal, delves into the complexities of familial relationships, set against the backdrop of post-independence India. Sahgal's narrative is characterized by a deep psychological realism, as she addresses the changing roles of women, the burdens of societal expectations, and the evolving nature of love and marital dynamics.
The portrayal of the husband-wife relationship in Where Shall We Go This Summer? is marked by tension, disillusionment, and an underlying yearning for emotional connection. Through Sumi and Sashi's relationship, Sahgal comments on the evolving nature of marriage, the dissatisfaction that often accompanies it, and the different ways in which individuals cope with personal crises and unresolved conflicts. This essay will examine the dynamics of Sumi and Sashi’s relationship, focusing on issues of communication, emotional distance, expectations, and gender roles.
The Strain of Emotional Distance
From the outset of the novel, it is clear that the relationship between Sumi and Sashi is characterized by emotional distance. This emotional detachment is one of the novel’s central motifs. Sumi, the protagonist, is in a state of deep personal crisis, which is exacerbated by her sense of alienation from her husband. She is unable to articulate her feelings to Sashi, who, in turn, appears indifferent to her inner turmoil. This emotional distance between the couple is reflective of the broader disconnect between the expectations of marriage in post-colonial India and the reality of individual needs and desires.
Sumi’s dissatisfaction with the marriage is not only a result of Sashi’s emotional coldness but also due to the overwhelming responsibilities and sacrifices that she has made as a wife and mother. Sumi feels trapped in the role of caretaker and housewife, and this feeling of entrapment is central to her disillusionment with her marriage. She has been reduced to the role of a mother, wife, and homemaker, without much opportunity for personal growth or fulfillment. This feeling of suffocation, though not directly addressed in conversation with Sashi, festers throughout the novel, creating an emotional rift between them.
On the other hand, Sashi’s emotional distance is also a result of his own inner conflict. He is depicted as a man who is caught between traditional expectations and his own modern, intellectual aspirations. He is a man of ideas and ideals, someone who is more focused on his work and political ambitions than on his wife’s emotional well-being. His detachment from Sumi is, in part, a consequence of his inability to understand her emotional needs. He has a sense of superiority that comes from his intellect and political awareness, but he lacks empathy, especially towards Sumi. Their relationship is thus marked by a lack of meaningful communication, and both seem unable or unwilling to bridge the emotional gap that has formed between them.
Gender Roles and Expectations
The husband-wife dynamic in Where Shall We Go This Summer? is also deeply shaped by traditional gender roles and expectations. Sumi, like many women of her time, is confined to the role of wife and mother. Her identity is largely defined by her relationship to her husband and children. Sumi’s role as a wife is to support her husband emotionally and physically, while Sashi, as the husband, is expected to be the provider, the intellectual, and the political figure. This rigid division of roles leaves little room for individual growth or self-expression, particularly for Sumi, who feels increasingly alienated within the confines of her marriage.
The social structure in which Sumi and Sashi exist expects Sumi to be the nurturing figure, tending to the emotional and physical needs of her family. However, this role is unfulfilling for Sumi, who is conscious of her own desires, passions, and ambitions that go beyond her responsibilities as a wife and mother. She wants to reclaim her personal identity but feels constrained by societal expectations. This sense of restriction becomes evident in her thoughts and actions throughout the novel, particularly when she contemplates leaving her family for a brief moment of solitude. Sumi's sense of liberation and independence—through the act of temporarily abandoning her family—is a small but powerful resistance to the norms that have boxed her into a life of self-sacrifice.
Sashi, too, is a product of his time and is unable to fully comprehend the emotional needs of his wife. While he might not actively repress Sumi's desires, his intellectual preoccupation and political ambitions make him largely indifferent to her emotional state. He often dismisses her concerns as trivial, instead focusing on broader societal issues, which leaves Sumi feeling neglected. Sashi’s political idealism seems disconnected from the practical and emotional realities of their relationship, a dynamic that often leaves Sumi feeling unimportant and sidelined.
Sumi’s Inner Conflict
Sumi’s internal conflict is at the heart of the novel’s exploration of the husband-wife relationship. Throughout the story, she is torn between her love for her children, her duty as a wife, and her desire for personal freedom and self-expression. She feels suffocated by the conventional expectations placed on her as a wife and mother, yet she is unable to break free from these societal constraints. Her relationship with Sashi exacerbates this inner turmoil, as she feels increasingly isolated from him and unable to find solace in their union.
Sumi’s desire for a sense of purpose and autonomy is reflected in her dream of escaping to an idyllic location, away from the pressures of home and family. The idea of leaving her family and going somewhere new, where she can find peace and perhaps rediscover herself, becomes a symbol of her longing for emotional freedom. However, this dream is also fraught with guilt and the recognition that she cannot easily detach herself from her responsibilities as a mother and wife. The conflict between her personal desires and her societal obligations is a central theme in the novel and speaks to the broader struggles faced by many women in post-independence India.
Sashi’s Indifference and Political Aspirations
Sashi’s indifference to Sumi’s emotional crisis is not simply a result of personal apathy; it is also shaped by his political and intellectual preoccupations. Sashi’s commitment to his political ideals and his belief in the importance of social change often override his concern for his wife’s emotional needs. He is a man driven by ideas, and while he has a genuine interest in the welfare of society, this comes at the expense of his ability to connect with Sumi on a personal level. Sashi’s idealism prevents him from understanding the complexities of Sumi’s feelings. His focus on the broader societal issues makes him blind to the very real emotional struggles that his wife faces within the confines of their marriage.
In many ways, Sashi’s detachment from Sumi mirrors the larger societal indifference to women’s emotional and psychological well-being during this period. While Sashi’s political ideals may be admirable, they are not enough to heal the emotional rift that has formed between him and his wife. His inability to understand the personal, emotional needs of Sumi highlights a larger issue in post-independence India, where women’s voices were often marginalized in both public and private spheres.
Conclusion: A Relationship in Crisis
In Where Shall We Go This Summer?, Nayantara Sahgal offers a poignant and nuanced portrayal of the relationship between Sumi and Sashi. Their marriage is one marked by emotional distance, disillusionment, and a lack of meaningful communication. Both characters are trapped within societal expectations and personal insecurities, unable to bridge the gap between their desires and the roles they are expected to play. Through the exploration of their relationship, Sahgal critiques the limitations placed on women in post-independence India, while also highlighting the emotional toll that these limitations take on both men and women.
The novel ultimately presents a relationship in crisis, where both partners are struggling to find meaning and connection in a world that has failed to recognize their emotional and psychological needs. Sumi's desire for personal freedom, Sashi’s political preoccupations, and the broader societal expectations create a complex and troubled dynamic between the two, one that speaks to the struggles faced by many individuals in relationships during this period. In this sense, Where Shall We Go This Summer? is not just a novel about a husband and wife; it is also a reflection on the emotional complexities and crises that define human relationships in a changing world.
Subscribe on YouTube - NotesWorld
For PDF copy of Solved Assignment
Any University Assignment Solution
.webp)
