Friction To Fusion: an Analysis of Conflict between Mothers-In-Law and Daughters-In-Law in Poile Sengupta’s Inner Laws

Abstract

The universal institution of the family is the basic unit of society. It plays an important role in the life of an individual as well as the community, especially in India. PoileSengupta, in her Inner Laws scrutinizes the family unit and the conflict among five mothers-in-law and five daughters-in-law. The social and psychological reason behind their attitudes and their antagonism towards each other is vividly portrayed. Sengupta, in her characteristic humorous and witty way, exposes the superficialities in their hatred for each other. There exist an underlying love and concern on both sides for the other. Through empathy and mutual understanding, the in-laws can overcome their friction. The play shows how simple it is for both the generations to overcome their differences and come together as one, paving the way for fusion and family harmony.