Are men and women portrayed differently in literature? Who holds power? The feminist theory is concerned with the nature of gender inequality and gender oppression prevalent in patriarchal societies throughout history. The Piano, directed by a New Zealander Jane Campion in 1993 revolves around a female protagonist and the transformations of her desires and identity as defined by her gender. The film was subject to much controversy with its release in 1993 and raised many questions challenging traditional values of a patriarchal society. Are men and women ‘different’ on multiple levels because of women’s biological inferiority or social construction? In The Piano, both factors contribute to the discrimination of women and of Ada’s tragic encounters
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The Piano not only placed feminist discourses perspective in mainstream media but its success also challenged the traditional belief of the value of literary works produced by females. Critics have since described The Piano as “metaphorical statement of a woman’s attempt to find her own voice” in a period and culture that severely limit women’s freedom of expression and actions. Despite the narrative arch and storyline revolving around a female protagonist, there has been dispute whether the film is feminist or not. Some believe The Piano is aligned with feminist approaches while others believe it falls short of being feminist because it advances the sexist assumption that “heterosexual women will give up artistic practice to find ‘true love’”. Lizzieboo, Bethami Dobkins and David Natharius are three literary critics who have identified with The Piano as being a “feminist masterpiece” appreciating the power of women to defy hierarchy in the bedroom, challenge patriarchal norms and overcome physical and psychological barriers in the …show more content…
The transformation of Ada’s identity, from “Mrs Stewart” to “Mrs Baines” demonstrates the capability of women to succeed in overcoming the social confinements of patriarchal societies in the end. With the film’s success, Jane Campion has challenged traditional dominant conceptions of gender and raised awareness of the nature of gender inequality and gender oppression, prevalent still in the late twentieth
The Piano not only placed feminist discourses perspective in mainstream media but its success also challenged the traditional belief of the value of literary works produced by females. Critics have since described The Piano as “metaphorical statement of a woman’s attempt to find her own voice” in a period and culture that severely limit women’s freedom of expression and actions. Despite the narrative arch and storyline revolving around a female protagonist, there has been dispute whether the film is feminist or not. Some believe The Piano is aligned with feminist approaches while others believe it falls short of being feminist because it advances the sexist assumption that “heterosexual women will give up artistic practice to find ‘true love’”. Lizzieboo, Bethami Dobkins and David Natharius are three literary critics who have identified with The Piano as being a “feminist masterpiece” appreciating the power of women to defy hierarchy in the bedroom, challenge patriarchal norms and overcome physical and psychological barriers in the …show more content…
The transformation of Ada’s identity, from “Mrs Stewart” to “Mrs Baines” demonstrates the capability of women to succeed in overcoming the social confinements of patriarchal societies in the end. With the film’s success, Jane Campion has challenged traditional dominant conceptions of gender and raised awareness of the nature of gender inequality and gender oppression, prevalent still in the late twentieth