On The Deconstruction Of Orientalism And Its Inadequacy In David Henry Hwang’s Works

In1978, Said advanced the theory of Orientalism which undoubtedly provides a new perspective for the interpretation and research of post colonial literature. This thesis employs Said’s theory of Orientalism, makes an interpretation on David Henry Hwang’s two plays M. Butterfly and Chinglish and points out that though Hwang’s works have to some degree deconstructed Orientalism, his deconstruction is inadequate and has even reinforeced Orientalism to a certain extent.This thesis consists of three parts, namely introduction, conclusion and four chapters. The first part is the Introduction which clarifies the research background. Chapter I to Chapter IV constitute the second part. Chapter I makes a brief introduction to Orientalism proposed by Said, which is the theoretical basis of this thesis. Chapter II analyzes Hwang’s efforts in the deconstruction of Orientalism in M. Butterfly. Firstly, the author makes a comparison between the "beautiful, delicate and submissive" Butterfly with the brave and independent Song Liling, concluding that the image of the latter deconstructs the Oriental female stereotype. Then the thesis makes another comparison between the superior Pinkerton and inferior Gallimard, which deconstructs the racial superiority of Western men. Finally, the author comes to the conclusion that the subversion of Eastern female and Western male images connotates the deconstruction of Orientalism. Chapter III analyzes the deconstruction of Orientalism in Chinglish. Chinglish tells the story of an American who does business in China and has to adapt to Chinese culture. The author makes an attentive analysis of the heroine Xi Yan as well as the differences and conflicts between American and Chinese culture. Furthermore, the author points out that the West should change its stereotyped prejudice against the Orient and only in this way can both sides obtain a sound development. Chapter IV discusses the inadequacy of Hwang’s deconstruction, which could be attributed to the absence of native culture, confusion of self-identity, influence of Orientalism and existent straits, etc.. Based on the above analysis, finally a conclusion is drawn.