Bharati Mukherjee develops an image of sexuality and femininity tied to purpose with the character of Jasmine that is entirely not cut and dry. One side of this idea of identity tied to sexuality is presented by other characters’ interactions with Jasmine. There is a consistent theme in this novel of men seeing Jasmine as an object for their taking. 
Jasmine’s first experience with pain (that the reader is told) is tied to her womanhood. The Astrologer predicts her fate to be consumed by her widowhood and exile (Mukherjee 3). Throughout the novel, Jasmine comments on men staring at her for her beauty. Even her adopted son cannot resist glancing at her. Jasmine has internalized this view of herself as she dresses up to go see Prakash and she knows she can use her looks to become desirable. 
When Jasmine does get the chance to be free of male judgment, she rejoices. This highlights the struggle that she has internalized as a woman: her identity is tied to what other people see in her and want out of her. When she describes her decision not to marry Bud, she says she feels like a goddess (Mukherjee 12). Again, when she uses a light switch with no one to tell her what to do, she feels in control (Mukherjee 44).
The saving grace for Jasmine is women in this novel. Even as a young child Jasmine recognizes that “I always felt the she-ghosts were guarding me” (Mukherjee 4). When she is attacked by a rabid dog she is with the women of her village. After the attack, the women were there to help her up (Mukherjee 57). However, this saving grace is not cut and dry because Jasmine is seen as only a woman. She is told to “‘Go join your sisters’” and that “‘A girl shouldn’t be wandering here by herself’” (Mukherjee 4). Again, this sectioning off of women puts Jasmine’s entire identity inside the box of her sex. 
She has a dual nature in her battle with femininity and her identity. On one hand, it is damaging to her and puts her in a box. On the other hand, she can use it to her advantage. 

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