Subjugation of Women in Buck'sThe Good Earth

Abstract

The research analyzesPearl S. Buck'sThe Good Earthand finds that the status of the women in the then Chinese society is miserable.The main objective of this study is show how is O-lan, themain character of the novel, subjugated in her life. The study is based on the close reading of the text and analyzes the situation of O-lan by using references of novel and highlights her subjugated life.Basic concept of feminism and patriarchymentioned by ThomasKeith, is used as theoretical tool for this study,however, the ideasof Plato andAristotlehave beenalso used as reference to show how patriarchal socio-economic system plays role to subjugate a woman inaparticular construct. Conclusion of the study is based on the hypothesis that is proved through textual analysis. On the basis of textual analysis, it is found that O-lanhas beencompelled tobelieve certain concept about gender roles like that women are for the pleasure and assistance of men; their role is complementary part of men and they should fulfill their natural feminine functions. Due tothesereasons, foralongtimeshe iscomplledtoacceptthe patriarchalnormspracticedby Wang Lungin thenovel but that could not go ahead and she resists such so calledsocial norms. As time passes, she searchesforher identityin life and realizesherselfas the worthymembers of thefamily as well as society. Finally,she resistsWangLung andvalue of Chinse society and liberates her from subjugated pastlife aswellas domination of WangLungas well as patriarchal domination ofmaledominated Chineseculture