A Brave Fighter Against Patriarchy: A Feminist Interpretation Of Bel-Imperia

Written in the late 1580s,Thomas Kyd's Spanish Tragedy is regarded as a milestone of all the Elizabethan revenge tragedies.With Seneca's favorite materials of murder,revenge,madness and ghosts,the play is also called the tragedy of blood.The Spanish Trgedy has been studied from different perspectives by scholars,who are mainly concerned about its theme of revenge,justice,language,plot,and characterization.When it comes to characterization,many critics tend to center around Hieronimo's personality and character traits,but the analysis of Bel-imperia is rarely seen.The important role that Bel-imperia plays during the vengeance cannot be ignored.Therefore,this thesis focuses on the interpretation of Bel-imperia in Kyd's Spanish Tragedy.According to the patriarchal theory,women are naturally expected to be submissive,weak,obedient,and dependent rule followers.From the perspective of feminism,this paper tries to demonstrate Bel-imperia's bold pursuit of freedom and independence,arguing that she is a decisive,brave,and strong-minded fighter against patriarchy.Her feminine power as a female avenger illustrates her resolute refusal to patriarchal expectation on traditional women.Through analyzing Bel-imperia's brave rebellious spirit of refusing the forced marriage arranged by the male elders,the sharp contrast between her fortitude and Isabella's weakness,as well as her persistent and passionate encouragement to Hieronimo's hesitant delay,this paper illustrates that Bel-imperia's feminine power with unyielding spirit,rational control of her emotion,and her bold pursuit for individual value should not be ignored or discriminated in the patriarchal society.