Feminine Sexuality and Its Subversion of Patriarchy: A Lacanian Psychoanalytic Reading of Pride and Prejudice
Date Issued
2012
Date
2012
Author(s)
Chu, Yuet-Ching
Abstract
This thesis re-examines Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice as a subversive novel of feminine spirit in terms of Lacanian psychoanalysis. It attempts to read Pride and Prejudice that goes beyond the traditional Austenian criticism so as to see much deeper into the subversive qualities of Austen’s work. By resorting to Lacanian psychoanalysis, it seeks to discuss the patriarchal order manifested in Austen’s time through her narrative, and to see the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth as a transformative process of love. By assuming that Pride and Prejudice gives a critical vision that cannot be fully elucidated by the conventional reading, this research re-interprets Austen’s subversive spirit from a new critical perspective. More essentially, it takes up an original challenge, which means to create a dialogue between Jane Austen and Jacques Lacan. In terms of Lacanian psychoanalysis, it argues that Austen accomplishes a critical maneuvering both in her creative setup and witticism. Through Mr. Bennet, an indifferent father figure, she arranges a wonderful setting to celebrate the feminine spirit. Through Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth, and Charlotte, she playfully challenges the patriarchal order and gives her subversive voices. And through the complicated relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth, Austen shows her faith in the feminine form of love, which not only asks men to give up their unreachable desire by becoming a feminine subject, but also encourages women to join in the drama of love that constantly tries to dissolve the impossibility of sexual relationship.
Subjects
feminine sexuality
patriarchal order
sexual relationship
psychoanalysis
subversion
love
subject
Type
thesis
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