Representation of Feminism In Winterson’s The Passion

Abstract

This study analyzes the representation of feminism in Winterson's The Passion. Winterson opposes hetero-normative gender roles in the 1800s through her writings. This novel is a significant representation of his defiance of a predominantly patriarchal society. The Passion provides a provocative view of women, depicting social oppression and patriarchal law. Through this novel, Jeanette Winterson focuses on exploring the concept of feminism through the main character Villanelle. This study aims to determine the representation of feminism in the novel and to describe the author's ideological position using Stuart Hall's Representation Theory, particularly Foucault's constructionist and discursive approach. This study is qualitative research that uses a close reading method to collect data. There are two kinds of data, primary data, and secondary data. Primary data are taken from narratives and dialogues related to the research topic. Meanwhile, secondary data are quoted from statements taken from books, journals, articles, literature reviews, internet sources, essays, media, etc., which can support research ideas and assumptions in analyzing primary data related to the representation of feminism. The results will show that Winterson represents the condition of women in a patriarchal society through three aspects to shape the discourse of feminism in the novel. The three aspects are the resistance against the objectification, the resistance against the subordination of women, and cultural feminism. Furthermore, to find three aspects of The Passion obtained in the context of social structures and practices provided in the environment of the main character in the novel. This study explores the representation of feminism based on Villanelle's environmental conditions and Villanelle's resistance to her environment. The Passion depicts gender stereotypes, lesbianism, and patriarchal opposition represented through the main character Villanelle. Villanelle was born with webbed feet and was owned only by a man, and later she became crossdressed because there were no jobs for women, and she also became a lesbian. Villanelle doesn't fit the stereotype of women and can't be defined as a woman. The Passion also tells the situation of the women of The vivandières during the Napoleonic wars. The vivandières are treated as subordinates, seen only as objects to satisfy lust, and oppressed. Also, Georgette, Henri's mother, represents her condition according to the patriarchal culture that women should marry. Georgette's parents used this patriarchal view to give orders for marriage due to the influence of traditional culture. On the other hand, Georgette has principles with the power of a virgin and wants to become a nun. By linking to reality happens that occurred in Europe as the contextual background of the novel. Winterson tries to demonstrate the power of patriarchal culture and the position of women in culture in the 19th century in Europe. In the 19th century, European patriarchal culture had become the truth, making people discipline themselves to follow and obey that culture. If a person does not fit into the patriarchal culture, the person is at fault, not because the culture is wrong. Furthermore, Winterson wrote The Passion in 1987 in England. In the 20th century, feminist movements, including Winterson, poured their ideas, thoughts, and her past through The Passion. Winterson provides perspective feed in the form of novel reading texts to readers. It seeks to encourage readers to change women's views according to the author's wishes through a feminist approach.