Studies on Female Characters from the Perspective of Gender: A Case Study of Female Roles in Journey to the West

Abstract

This study aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of the female characters in The Journey to the West and examine their portrayal of social gender, as well as their roles and significance. A mixed-method approach is employed, combining quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis, to comprehensively study the female characters in the novel. Firstly, quantitative analysis is utilized to present the collective characteristics of the female characters through data analysis. Secondly, qualitative analysis is employed to delve into the social gender issues represented by the female characters in The Journey to the West by conducting case studies, content analysis of relevant textual discourse, subjectivity, and contextual factors. The research findings demonstrate that the female characters in The Journey to the West play significant roles in the narrative and exhibit diversity. The novel portrays both positive and negative female characters, all of whom have a substantial impact on the male protagonists. Based on these results, this study concludes that the appearance, personality, and behavior of the female characters in The Journey to the West are constructed through a male perspective, reflecting the societal understanding and expectations of women's status and roles in a male-dominated society.