Patriarchal Hegemony in the Novel The Good Earth
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Department of English
Abstract
The present dissertation undertakes a study of patriarchal hegemony in the
novel The Good Earth The study tries to examine how women were depicted in pre
revolutionary Chinese society. Chinese village society seemed patriarchal, oppressive
and stultifying to women. Although women’s role varied, all were subservient. The
importance of all female characters is based upon their contribution to the egos of the
male protagonists and as being providers of support to both family and order in
society. Pearl S. Buck, a proponent of civil rights for women as well as a
humanitarian writer, concerns the society where females are considered the weaker
sex and especially the neglected part of the society. The issues, problems, and status
of Chinese women have successfully presented in The Good Earth.