• Dr. Aparna Tulshiram Sarode
• -

Sudha Murthy’s House of Cards presents a compelling portrayal of a woman’s journey toward self-identity and empowerment within the confines of a patriarchal society. The novel traces the life of Mridula, an educated and ambitious woman who sacrifices her personal aspirations to support her husband’s professional success. As her husband’s career flourishes, Mridula gradually becomes marginalized, revealing the fragile foundation of marital relationships built on ego, material success, and gender inequality. Through Mridula’s experiences, Murthy highlights the emotional struggles, silent endurance, and inner conflicts faced by women who are expected to subordinate their identities for familial stability. Ultimately, the novel underscores the importance of self-respect, independence, and inner strength as essential components of empowerment. Mridula’s transformation from a self-sacrificing wife to a self-aware individual symbolizes a woman’s quest for identity and dignity. House of Cards thus serves as a powerful commentary on women’s empowerment and the need for equitable relationships in modern society.

Emotional Autonomy, Emancipation, ,Inner resilience etc

"Reclaiming the self: Women’s Identity and Empowerment in ‘House of Cards’ by Sudha Murthy", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 12, page no.g70-g74, December-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2512611.pdf

"Reclaiming the self: Women’s Identity and Empowerment in ‘House of Cards’ by Sudha Murthy", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 12, page no. ppg70-g74, December-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2512611.pdf