This PPT presents the life and literary contribution of Shashi Deshpande, the author of the novel That Long Silence. It covers her biography, major works, writing style, themes like women’s identity, middle-class family life, feminism, and psychological conflict. The presentation also explains the summary and significance of That Long Silence. Useful for literature viva and academic study.

1. Shashi Deshpande
Presented by
Darshana Parmar
Semester : 6
Government Arts college Talaja
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Department of English

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Shashi Deshpande
“To be a woman is not a
weakness, it is a
strength.”

3. Shashi Deshpande is an important writer in
Indian English literature.
Through her works, she mainly presents the
lives of Indian middle-class women, their
emotions, struggles, and inner psychology. She
is known for portraying modern Indian
society in a realistic way.
Introduction
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4. Shashi Deshpande was born in 1938 in Dharwad,
Karnataka.
She is the daughter of the well-known Kannada
writer Shriranga.
She grew up in a literary environment at home,
which developed her interest in writing from an
early age.
She holds an important place among Indian
women writers.
About Shashi Deshpande
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5. Education
Shashi Deshpande completed her education in different fields
she :
Earned a degree in Economics
Studied Law
Studied Journalism in Mumbai
Because of this diverse education, her writings show deep
social, legal, and psychological understanding.
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6. Literary career
In her literary career, Shashi Deshpande has written:
Novels
Short stories
Essays
She mainly writes in English. Her works focus on middle-
class families, gender relationships, married life, and a
woman’s search for self-identity.
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7. Major Works
Some of Shashi Deshpande’s well-known works are:
That Logg Silence – portrays a woman’s silence and inner
suffering
Roots and Shadows – shows the impact of family and
tradition
The Dark Holds No Terrors – deals with fear, marriage,
and mental conflict
A Matter of Time – explores relationships and the effect of
time
All these works clearly present the reality of women’s lives.
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8. Themes in Her Writing
The main themes in Shashi Deshpande’s writing are:
Women’s Identity – The importance of a woman understanding
and accepting herself.
Marriage and Family Life – The difficulties and responsibilities
women face in married life.
Silence and Oppression – Women often suffer silently; this
silence reflects their inner pain.
Self-realization – The process through which a woman
recognizes her own value and strength.
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9. Awards and Achievements
Shashi Deshpande has received several
awards for her literary contribution:
Sahitya Akademi Award (1990) – for That
Long Silence
Padma Shri (2009) – for contribution to
Indian literature
Her work is appreciated both in India and
abroad.
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Why She Is Important
Shashi Deshpande is important because:
She gave a voice to Indian women
She presented social reality fearlessly
She wrote with a feminist perspective
Her literature helps readers understand women’s
lives more deeply.

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Conclusion
In conclusion, Shashi Deshpande is a powerful writer
in Indian English literature. Her works portray
women’s struggles, emotions, silence, and strength.
Her writing inspires social thinking and helps us
understand women’s lives from a new perspective.

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Thank you