That Long Silence Plot Summary Quiz : 20 Questions

That Long Silence Plot Summary Quiz : That Long Silence by Shashi Deshpande is a novel that presents the inner life of an educated Indian woman living in a traditional middle-class society. The story mainly focuses on Jaya, the protagonist, and her emotional journey from silence to self-awareness.

Table of Contents

Jaya is born into a middle-class family and, from childhood, she is intelligent, curious, and expressive. However, society does not approve of these qualities in a girl. Her grandmother teaches her that a good woman must be quiet, obedient, skilled in household work, and always willing to adjust. Slowly, Jaya learns that speaking her mind creates discomfort. As a result, she begins to suppress her thoughts and feelings. This suppression continues for years and becomes what she calls “the long silence.”

Though Jaya loves writing, she never becomes a successful writer. Only her father supports her creativity and treats her as an individual. After completing her education, Jaya marries Mohan, a successful and practical man. Their marriage lacks warmth and emotional closeness. Mohan expects obedience, while Jaya silently manages the home, children, and daily routine. She behaves like a caretaker rather than an equal partner.

A major turning point comes when Mohan is suspended and later dismissed from his job due to professional misconduct. The family is forced to shift to a small, uncomfortable flat, and their children live with relatives. During this period, Jaya starts writing articles to earn money. Her writing honestly reflects her dissatisfaction with marriage and emotional neglect. Though Mohan dislikes this, he does not express it openly, and Jaya once again withdraws into silence.

Jaya’s interactions with her sister Kusum and her neighbour Mr. Kamat help her reflect on women’s suffering within marriage. She realises that different forms of male dominance arise from the same social mindset. When Mohan finally leaves the house, Jaya understands that her silence has damaged their relationship.

At the end of the novel, Mohan sends a message saying he will return, and his job is restored. Jaya decides to welcome him back, but with a new determination. She resolves to break her long silence and build a relationship based on honesty and communication. The novel by Shashi Deshpande ends on a hopeful note, stressing the importance of voice, understanding, and emotional openness in marriage. [Source Super Summary]