BLURRING BOUNDARIES OF TRANSITIONAL OPPRESSION: ANALYZING THE INIVIDUALITY IN SHAFAK’S THREE DAUGHTERS OF EVE THROUGH A COSMOPOLITAN FEMINIST LENS

Abstract

This study analyzes Three Daughters of Eve by Elif Shafak through the theoretical lens of Cosmopolitan Feminism in order to explore how the novel represents women’s individuality within the context of globalized and transitional forms of oppression. In an increasingly interconnected world, women’s experiences are shaped not only by local cultural structures but also by global ideological forces. Cosmopolitan Feminist Theory emphasizes the interconnectedness of women’s struggles across national, cultural, and religious boundaries, highlighting how gendered oppression can operate simultaneously at multiple levels of society. Using this framework, the present study investigates the underlying causes of the chaos portrayed in the novel and examines how social, cultural, and ideological conflicts shape the lives and identities of female characters. The research further explores how the narrative portrays the globalized oppression of women, demonstrating that patriarchal control transcends geographical and cultural borders. Through the contrasting personalities and life choices of the three central female characters, the novel reflects the tension between tradition and modernity, faith and skepticism, and freedom and social restriction. These tensions reveal how women navigate complex identities within societies where cultural expectations, religious interpretations, and political influences intersect. Moreover, this study analyzes how the novel constructs a persistent dichotomy between religion, liberty, and individuality, showing how these elements interact to influence women’s personal and intellectual development. By situating the novel within the framework of Cosmopolitan Feminism, the research argues that Shafak highlights the possibility of cross-cultural dialogue and shared feminist concerns while acknowledging the diverse realities of women’s experiences. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that Three Daughters of Eve offers a nuanced portrayal of women’s struggles for selfhood, agency, and intellectual freedom in a globalized yet divided world.