FEMININITY IN THE NOVEL “NAREE NAKHARA”

Abstract

The objective of this research article is to analyze femininity in the novel
“Naree Nakhara” (她的城), a Chinese literature authored by Chi Li (池莉) translated
by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn according to the concept on women’s roles based
on cultural feminism (Sukanya Intadot, 2007). This paper analyzes narratives and
conversations of the main female characters and presents the results using descriptive
analysis. It is found that the author uses characteristics of the main characters to
construct different roles of their femininity: the roles of a mother to give birth and
bring up her children, and the roles of a wife. In addition, the characteristics show
women’s development in changing their status to be equal to that of men, and
praising women for their companionship for their husbands. The equality is reflected
from the occupations of the main characters who also earn income for their families.

Femininity seen in the occupations is a result of good education that enables women
to be self-dependent and to have freedom in living their lives. Femininity in the
novel is found to link traditional values and traditions with modern ones that make
women gentle but mentally strong.