Women’s Power Struggles Under Patriarchy

Alice Walker, a world-renowned American writer, critic and activist since the1980s,never ceases exposing problems and dark side of the world with a critical and humanisticspirit, such as white supremacy, gender inequality and violence of various forms etc.However, bearing an optimistic belief in human’s future, she also spares no effort tocelebrate the virtues of human beings and promote the harmonious coexistence of gendersand races. By the Light of My Father’s Smile, an extension of Walker’s efforts for the abovepurposes, has invoked a series of researches by many critics from the perspectives oftheme analysis, womanism and writing techniques etc. But seldom are there any studiesconducted through Michel Foucault’s philosophy on power.This thesis attempts to approach By the Light of My Father’s Smile from Foucault’sphilosophy on power. This thesis consists of five chapters. Chapter One introduces AliceWalker, the novel By the Light of My Father’s Smile and the studies on it, Foucault’sphilosophy on power, including his views on power, ethics of the self as well as his opiniontoward coalitions between different groups in fighting for justice. Chapter Two elucidateson women’s position in the patriarchal mechanism in the novel. Some women, especiallywomen of mother’s generation not only fall victims to but also turn into accessories ofmale domination. This chapter also offers an explanation on the disciplinary methodsadopted by males, such as the creation of power space, homogenization of female bodies,surveillance etc. Also, the reasons for mothers’ and daughters’ different attitudes towardspatriarchal dominance are pointed out in this chapter. Chapter Three mainly elaborates onhow females of modern generation like Maggie, Susannah, Irene and Pauline counteractthe normalization of patriarchal power by resorting to controlling of body, discourse andaesthetics of existence—all of which belong to “ethics of the self”. Chapter Four exposesthe nurturing and redemptive quality of the close relationships between female characters as well as the reconciliation between females and males. While individual struggle isessential, coalition is necessary. This is also consistent with Walker’s womanism whichputs emphasis on unions. Chapter Five is conclusion. It is stated that resistance on theindividual level and coalitions between groups combined, the problems caused bypatriarchy would ultimately be resolved. Apart from solving problems incurred bypatriarchal power, Foucault’s philosophy on power has universal values in guiding us tolive an autonomous life. Besides, this novel involves not only black people of America, butalso people of other races and continents. This has surpassed womanism and is ademonstration of Walker’s humanistic concern for all human beings.