Resistance to Patriarchal Ideology in Maupassant‘s Bel Ami

Abstract

Guy De Maupassant‘s Bel Ami is one of the important novels that projects patriarchal values of nineteenth century in France. The study concentrates on how Mme De Merelle, Suzanne Walter, Madeleine resist ongoing patriarchy of nineteenth century of France? How do patriarchal norms and values try to suppress them? Do female characters of the novel succeed to liberate from male domination? Duroy, main character of the novel treats his wife and mistresses as his private property but they resist against his domination. Monsieur Walter tries to control his daughter and forces her to get married with the man whom he knows but Suzanne resists patriarchal values and tries to establish her choice in life. Female characters like Suzanne Walter and Madame de Marelle, Madame Forestier, Madame Walter struggle in the society for freedom of choice but patriarchal norms and values tries to control them from the beginning of their life. Guy De Maupassant describes the position of women by projecting ongoing male dominated society where females are being compared with money, sex and power.