The Representation Study of Intimate Femicide in Angela Carter’s The Bloody Chamber

Abstract

Intimate femicide is the killing of a woman by a man with whom she had an intimate relationship. In Carter’s The Bloody Chamber, intimate femicide is exercised by the husband, who kills his wife. This research aims to explain that the relationship between husband and wife can produce violence against women, like intimate femicide. This research uses Stuart Hall’s theory of representation to find the representation of intimate femicide in the story and explain the author’s agenda and ideological position in writing The Bloody Chamber. This research shows that, firstly, female characters who experienced intimate femicide represent the condition of women in England society in the 70s who suffered from domestic violence. Secondly, women who fight against femicide represent the condition of women in England society in the 70s, who united to fight domestic violence under second-wave feminism. Thirdly, Carter, the author of The Bloody Chamber, delivers that she opposes the patriarchal system and supports feminist ideology. Therefore, analyzing The Bloody Chamber using the representation theory will reveal that literary works are not only for entertainment but also have meaning behind the story. This research shows that women have a quality of bravery, strength, and independence.