A Debate With The Radical Feminism

As one of the greatest American writers of the late 20 th century,John Updike published works in different genres in his life.Known as the chronicler of contemporary America,John Updike mostly describes the life and marriage of the middle class families in the small towns in the east of the United States,mainly involving their trivial daily life and subtle psychology.However,while he is praised for his works,there are many critics,especially feminists,who question the portrayal of the one-dimensional and humble image of women in his works.The Witches of Eastwick,his novel published in 1984,was originally a response,not just to his feminist critics,but also to the radical feminists in the Women's Liberation Movement of the 1960 s and 1970 s.It also serves as an epitome of his reflections on issues such as women,morality and family.The novel narrates the story of three radically-minded women who are also referred to as “witches”,because of the magic power they possess.As the story reveals,they enter college,get married and have children,very much following the life pattern of many other women.With the influence of Women's Liberation Movement surging,however,they become increasingly confident and assertive,divorcing their husbands,getting rid of their marriages and subsequently neglecting their families and children.They regard their witchcraft as a means of manipulation and a means of rebellion against the patriarchal conventions and live life on their own terms.With a consideration of the cultural context,this thesis is meant to study The Witches of Eastwick from the perspective of feminist theory.This paper aims to analyze Updike's portrayal of the protagonists in the novel,explore the paradoxical nature of witchcraft,and examine the various voices from opposing camps and the consequences and harms resulting from the contradictions between personal freedom and social conventions and,ultimately,see how John Updike features a debate with the radical feminists in the novel.