The Analysis of Women's Choices in Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

Abstract

This study delves into how women's choices are represented through two main female characters as sexual abuse survivors in Hopeless. The novel addresses the issue of women's choices, depicted by two main female characters who have experienced sexual abuse by their family members. This research uses representation theory and a postfeminist perspective to analyze this portrayal of women's choices. This research identifies three choice categories for sexual abuse survivors striving for happiness: 1) women decide what they want, 2) women dare to take risks, and 3) women choose to self-acceptance. The two main female characters in Hopeless are portrayed as courageous individuals who dare to break away from the victim label by making bold and meaningful choices. This research aims to show how women with a background as victims of sexual abuse can make their own choices to create happiness in their lives. The first goal of this study is to find out how the representation of women’s choice in Hopeless can represent women's capability to take responsibility for their lives. The second goal of this study is to understand the representation of postfeminism contained in the novel through the author's critical position.