Resistance Against Patriarchal Norms in Charles Frazier's Cold Mountain

Abstract

This research seeks to foreground women’s resistance against repressive patriarchy in Charles Frazier’s Cold Mountain. The novel abounds with rebellious characters like, Ada, Ruby, Big Tildy, Goat Woman, and others. Their actions and activities subvert the norms that are responsible for the repression of women. Out of them, Ada and Ruby deconstruct traditional gender roles by putting on trousers of Ada’s father and openly involving themselves in hunting and gathering thereby, challenging and resisting patriarchal ideology and the gender roles. They also forge a certain kind of bond and involve in farming, which comes in opposition to the male pastoral tradition. They ultimately are able to maintain their life at their own. Similarly, Goat Woman debunks repression by discarding her husband; and by choosing to realize her individuality and subjectivity.