Images of a Declining Patriarchal Society and the Emergence of Women’s Self-determinism in Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises and Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover

• Main Authors: Yen-Tsung Chen, 陳彥璁
• Other Authors: Shan-hsiung Ting
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2007
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/08746117577722832333

碩士 === 中國文化大學 === 英國語文學研究所 === 95 === Abstract Throughout the history, when it comes to the relationship between men and women, men have been playing a role in dominating women in many aspects for centuries. However, in modern society, we can see that the dramatic transformation has occurred. Women are no longer men’s ancillas. Instead they refuse to be oppressed and attempt to reverse their derogatory status. In Lady Chatterley’s Lover, and The Sun Also Rises, the relationship between men and women is complicated. It involves the independence of women, men’s insecurity, and subtle interaction between men and women. Two main female characters, Brett Ashley in The Sun, and Connie in Lady C, play the role of modern women, using their own ways to pursue female freedom physically and mentally. Two impotent male characters, Jake and Clifford in The Sun and Lady C, play the role of the expatriate of the patriarchal society, finding their own ways in facing the reality. The relation between men’s deteriorating power and women’s reviving determinism shapes a new phenomenon in society. This thesis attempts to find a balance and possible solution for the worsened relationship. However, the relationship between men and women in The Sun and Lady C is a practical example for me to research deeply and also reflect the relationship of modern couples. The thesis is divided into six chapters. Chapter I introduces D.H. Lawrence and Ernest Hemingway, and their works: Lady Chatterley’s Lover, and The Sun Also Rises. Chapter II introduces Simone de Beauvoir and her work, The Second Sex. Chapter III discusses the patriarchy in Lady Chatterley’s Lover and The Sun Also Rises. Chapter IV characterizes some important characters in Lady Chatterley’s Lover, and The Sun Also Rises. Chapter V compares these important characters and some of the symbols in the novels. Chapter VI concludes what I observe in the novels to discuss the relationship between men and women today.