Female Angst and Cultural Confinement: An Existential Reading of The Holy Woman

Abstract

This qualitative research explores the existential themes of Angst and authenticity in Qaisra Shahraz’s novel The Holy Woman, focusing on the psychological and philosophical struggles of the protagonist, Zarri Bano. Grounded in the theories of existentialist philosophers such as Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Albert Camus, the study examines how Zarri Bano’s experiences of societal expectation, denial of womanhood, and internalized oppression reflect a broader existential crisis. The analysis draws on concepts such as Nietzsche’s “slave morality,” Sartre’s “bad faith,” and Camus’ notion of absurdity to frame Zarri Bano’s journey through patriarchal and religious constraints. By employing textual analysis, the research highlights how Zarri Bano’s forced transformation into a “Holy Woman” becomes a symbol of existential Angst, reflecting the suppression of individual desire and autonomy in the name of tradition and morality. The paper further examines how gendered subjugation is perpetuated by patriarchal misinterpretations of religion and cultural norms. Through dialogue and introspection, Zarri Bano displays moments of resistance, revealing her evolving self-awareness and search for authenticity. This research argues that existential Angst can serve as a catalyst for self-realization and personal freedom. Drawing parallels with characters such as Roquentin from Sartre’s Nausea, the study concludes that existential suffering, while deeply disorienting, can foster resilience, creativity, and transformation. The paper calls for a reevaluation of cultural paradigms that hinder women’s autonomy and encourages embracing existential inquiry as a path to self-definition and liberation in oppressive contexts.

Keywords: Existentialism, angst, authenticity, Zarri Bano, The Holy Woman, Qaisra Shahraz, Nietzsche, Sartre, patriarchy, slave morality