Abstract
The paper examines Su Tong’s novel “Wives and Concubines” as historical resource to study the position of women in the first quarter of the 20th century in China. Literature is accurate in assessing changes in mentality of society. The process of the women’s role transformation is the most complex and insufficiently studied issue still. The first part of the 20 century Xinhai Revolution overthrew the Qing dynasty and China had a great impact of Western culture. This is the era which the women’s movement also belongs. Even the novel “Wives and Concubines” author shows harsh reality of women from province, where the traditions, sexual politics, gender hierarchies, class are repressed them a lot. Within the narrative of novel women are abused by authority male culture. The Chinese revolution in 1911 didn’t change the main rules that govern society. There was still strong perception of power-related norms in people’s ideology about marriage, traditional role of women is linked to family, limiting the career development and ambitions. Women shall be defined as obedient and dependent in support their husbands even if they sacrifice their own careers.
Highlights
Use fiction as a historical source is interesting for modern science because novel includes information about social moods and thoughts of country in different periods
The analysis of fiction as a historical source allowed to identify the changes that occurred in the life of a Chinese woman at the first quarter of the 20th century
The Su Tong novel demonstrates that social identities are shaped and transformed in response to shifting environments, even so the traditional social roles haven’t changed yet
Summary
Use fiction as a historical source is interesting for modern science because novel includes information about social moods and thoughts of country in different periods. The Su Tong’s novel “Wives and Concubines” narrates the experience of the Chen family, which consists of the Old Master, four wives (3 concubines), their children and servant. While, spending time with Cloud, Lotus recognizes Cloud’s potential power under the Chen, so names her “Elder Sister” She is friendly with new wife, but shortly reader will discover her sinister intentions. Drawing this complex tangle of relationships between the characters, Su Tong doesn’t judge or accuse them He describes a psychological state of characters forced follow Chen family’s customs. Due to men’s resource advantage and socio-cultural influence, a traditionally accepted marriage norm is for the husband’s independency and the decision-making role, while the wife remains submissive and dependent At these circumstances The Old Master due to the customs has a power under his wives and concubines. Do they act according their will or they have to play games to survive and achieve an illusion of power?
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