Feminist Interpretations of Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits

Abstract

Isabel Allende’s novel The House of the Spirits stands as a significant work within feminist literature, offering a profound exploration of gender, power dynamics, and societal norms within the context of Chilean society. Through the intertwining stories of Clara, Blanca, and Alba, Allende navigates themes of female agency, resilience, and resistance against patriarchal constraints. This paper examines the feminist interpretations of The House of the Spirits, delving into the portrayal of female characters, the narrative structure, and the novel’s engagement with feminist discourse. By analyzing the historical and cultural context, character dynamics, and thematic richness of the novel, we uncover the ways in which Allende challenges traditional gender roles and amplifies the voices of women within the literary landscape.