The Representation of Patriarchy in Walter Tevis' The Queen's Gambit

Abstract

The current research focuses on analysing the representation of patriarchal discourse in the novel The Queen’s Gambit through the female character Beth Harmon. This research applies Hall‘s representation theory and patriarchal values to answer the research questions. There are two research questions answered in Chapter 4. The first is dealing with the way patriarchy is represented in The Queen’s Gambit novel and the second is exposing the critical position of the author regarding the issue of Patriarchal value. The result of this research reveals that there are three ways of how patriarchy is being represented through the events that are experienced by Beth Harmon. Those representations are sexism, subordination, and objectification. Through the portrayal and the ending of the journey of Beth Harmon in The Queen’s Gambit, the researcher notices that Walter Tevis – the author of this novel – stands on women‘s side and refuses the patriarchal ideas. He also supports women to fight patriarchal values.