The Comparison of Views on Love and Relationship between Hayasi Fumiko and Eileen Chang - based on the works from 1940 to 1950

• Main Authors: Hsin-Yu Yeh, 葉芯語
• Other Authors: ming-zi chen
• Format: Others
• Published: 2017
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/4pcm54

碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 日本語文學研究所 === 105 === In this modern age of open and freedom of choices in relationships and marriages, it is hard to imagine that in the past, under the patriarchy lifestyle, woman have no right for choosing her own marriage. The term “in loving relationship” only passed into China and Japan in the 20th century. At that period, these two countries are introducing Western culture and belief hoping to strengthen their own country’s military power and boost the economy. The concept of “individualism” was introduced, but woman in society was still not included for liberation. At that particular period of time, woman in China and Japan graduated to understand the concept of “freedom of love”, yet could not cast away the traditional social values, eventually resulting in many struggles and conflicts. The thesis investigates the literature and works from two outstanding authors at that time: Ms. 張愛玲and Ms. 林芙美子, who are specialized and well-known in their works on describing and articulating woman in society to analyze the realistic views of love and marriage for the woman under such transitional, classical-to-modern society. Ms. Cheng, coming from a high social-economical family, accepted both Chinese and Western beliefs. Therefore in her works, there are fine and delicate descriptions of Chinese woman’s struggles and helplessness on relationships and marriages. Similarly, the works of Ms. 林芙美子shows the powerful livelihood of woman, presenting great courage and reckless attitude for pursuing love, but once again faced the same struggle and helplessness when comes to marriage. In the age seemingly equal-right for both genders, still lie underneath the inherent patriarchy belief. The literature from both authors not only vividly illustrated the appearance of woman for survival at that time; they also deliver a message that crossed many generations, where the essence of “love” and “marriage” are still the same even until now. The thesis begins by a brief background of the feminism in China and Japan before the modern age, and acceptability of Western belief. Then in details it analyzed the family background and history of relationships for the two authors. Understanding these critical elements, the similarity and differences of two authors on their views on relationships and marriages can be identified. Thereafter, the studies expand towards these views for the woman in these two countries. These discussions even extend to provide an insight towards woman’s love and relationship view under a patriarchal society, regardless of time and country background.