Tang Xianzu And Shakespeare's Perspective Of Woman And Gender Issues

The visual angle and analytical method of feminist literary criticism and gender poetics reveal to us, in a brand-new and unprecedented way, the profound implication of Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare's great thought about human nature's emancipation. Feminist theory subverts the patriarchal ideology by way of deconstruction, while at the same time endeavors to construct a unique female discourse and culture. In spite of the existent limitations, feminist theory holds the possibility of further development and perfection because of its basic research method and emphasis on the concept"social gender". The orientation of feminist literary criticism is gender poetics, whose goal is the ideal of androgyny. Gender poetics advocates androgyny as the ideal condition for both man and woman, and it seeks to establish a harmonious and equal relation between the two sexes.The comparative study between Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare's drama within the theoretical frame of feminist literary criticism and gender poetics is not only feasible but also necessary. Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare's concern about woman's fate and gender issues is an important perspective of their thought on human nature and the expression of their humanist ideal. They probe into woman's life and spiritual emancipation for the realization of human nature and value, and they call for the emancipation of human nature from the stance of woman. It is based on their humanist ideal that woman and gender issues are considered and emphasized in their works. Feminist literary criticism and gender poetics, employing a deconstructive reading method, reveal the defiance in Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare's work against fixed gender stereotypes and roles formed by patriarchal tradition. It also reveals the dramatists'pursuit for the ideal androgynous human nature and equal relation between the two sexes. The women in their works are particularly noteworthy because they smash the twisted image formed by the patriarchal society and literature. They are no longer the"object"and silent"other"as expected by the male-centered tradition, but rather"subject"with their own mind and action.There are similarities and differences in Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare's ideas about woman and gender issues in both progressive and limited aspect. This is related to their historical background, personal experience as well as the gender culture of China and western society. All in all, the reflection, concern and thought about woman and gender issues by Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare are significant and great. Their works embody the implication and sprout of woman's emancipation and woman's'right movement. Therefore, Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare'works provide the best text for the theory of feminist literary criticism and gender poetics, and vice the versa, the latter offer a brand-new and effective reading method for the study and comparison of their works.