In Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel “Rajmohan’s Wife,” the concept of transgression operates on multiple levels—social, moral, and personal.
To understand whether Matangini, the protagonist, transgresses in this sense, we need to explore what transgression means within the context of the novel and the society it portrays.
Definition of Transgression in “Rajmohan’s Wife”
- Social Transgression: In the 19th-century Bengali society depicted in the novel, social norms and expectations are rigid, especially for women. Transgression in this context means stepping outside the boundaries set by societal expectations, such as defying traditional roles, questioning authority, or engaging in behavior deemed inappropriate for women.
- Moral Transgression: This involves actions that violate ethical or moral standards, such as dishonesty, betrayal, or infidelity. In the patriarchal context of the novel, these standards are often biased against women, imposing stricter moral codes on their behavior.
- Personal Transgression: This relates to the inner conflict and the crossing of personal boundaries. It involves actions that go against one’s own principles or desires, often leading to a transformation in self-identity.
Matangini’s Transgressions
Social Transgression
Matangini’s actions can be seen as socially transgressive in several ways:
- Defying Her Husband: Rajmohan, her husband, is abusive and tyrannical. Matangini’s decision to defy him and act independently, such as when she decides to warn Madhav about the impending danger, goes against the expected submissive role of a wife in her society.
- Stepping Out Alone at Night: In one instance, Matangini leaves her home alone at night to deliver a warning, an act that is highly unconventional and risky for a woman of her standing. This act of bravery can be seen as a significant social transgression.
Moral Transgression
While Matangini’s actions are courageous, they also flirt with moral transgression:
- Emotional Affection for Madhav: Matangini harbors feelings for Madhav, who is married to her sister. While her affection remains largely unspoken and unacted upon, it still represents a transgression of the moral codes regarding loyalty and emotional fidelity.
Personal Transgression
Matangini’s journey in the novel also involves personal transgression:
- Struggle with Duty and Desire: She constantly battles between her duty as a wife and her own sense of justice and personal desire. Her decision to act against Rajmohan’s wishes represents a crossing of her own internal boundaries, driven by a sense of moral duty and personal courage.
Elucidation of Matangini’s Transgression
Matangini’s transgressions are complex and multifaceted:
- Heroic Transgression: Her defiance of social norms is not just rebellion but a courageous stand against oppression and injustice. This heroic aspect makes her a sympathetic character despite her transgressions.
- Moral Ambiguity: While her feelings for Madhav and her acts of defiance can be seen as morally ambiguous, they highlight the oppressive conditions women faced and the difficult choices they had to make.
- Personal Growth: Through her transgressions, Matangini grows as a character. Her actions, driven by a deep sense of justice and personal integrity, mark her evolution from a submissive wife to a woman of agency and moral fortitude.
In conclusion, transgression in “Rajmohan’s Wife” implies stepping outside the bounds of societal, moral, and personal expectations. Matangini does transgress in these senses, but her transgressions are portrayed sympathetically, emphasizing her courage, moral integrity, and the oppressive conditions she seeks to challenge. Her character serves as a critique of the societal norms of her time, illustrating the complexities and the necessity of transgression in the pursuit of justice and personal autonomy.