Resurrection of the Feminine self: A Study of Structural and Thematic Analysis of the Cycle of Trauma and Rebirth in Kamala Das’ “Like a Phoenix I Rose from the Ashes of my Past”

Abstract

Through the essay “Like a Phoenix I Rose from the Ashes of my Past” taken from Kamala Das’ popular work My Story, the writer presents an autobiographical narrative of her failed marriage. The poetic introduction at the beginning of the essay depicts her inner conflict which blends well with the thematic elements of the essay. The paper involves a close analysis of the essay analyzing the fight-flight- freeze mode regarded as a trauma response and defense mechanism which she adopts to cope up with difficult situations in her married life. Kamala Das identifies herself with the ‘Phoenix’ from the title of the essay; as from being sick like a ‘moulting bird’, she still rises from the ashes. The writer goes through the cycle of flight, moulting (Shedding feathers) and resurrection which resembles the life cycle of the Phoenix. Finally, her prayers and intense devotion to Lord Krishna add a mystical note to the essay.