1. Theory of Characters
In literary work, the characters are one of the most important elements because they drive the story as a whole. As stated by M. H. Abrams in A Glossary of
Literary Terms, Characters are the persons, in a dramatic or narrative work, endowed
with moral and dispositional qualities that are expressed in what they say–the dialogue–and what they do–the action Abrams, 1971: 21.
Through these characters, through what they say and what they act, the researcher is able to find out their life that they are in difficult conditions.
2. Theory of Patriarchy and Patriarchy in China
There are many writers who are interested in discussing about patriarchy. Madsen said in Feminist Theory and Literary Practice
Patriarchy is a cultural ideological system that privileges men and all things masculine, and a political system that places power in the hands
of men and thus serves male interests at the expense of women 2000: xiii.
Based on the quotation, Madsen argues that men, through these privileges, can get more benefits and better life than women. Moreover, men feel that they are
superior because they have power to control women. Since this study is about Chinese patriarchal culture, the theory is focused on
the patriarchy in China. This study explains more deeply about the practices of patriarchy in China. Chinese culture has long been shaped by Confucianism as their
system how they live. There are so many concepts in the doctrine of Confucianism. However, the obvious and main concept that applies in Chinese society is the
concept of Li the rules of propriety. Fan Hong explains that Using the rules of propriety as a means of social control to contain and
yet provide satisfaction for human desires, the Confucian institution of Li has left very distinctive marks on Chinese culture and mentality. It
succeeded in enclosing the personality of the individual within the parameters of his or her prescribed roles, to the extent that
individuality was hardly differentiated from those roles. For this reason, in a traditional Confucian society, all interpersonal
relationships were held together by a hierarchy of social roles. Each role functioned in the manner prescribed in the Confucian texts. 1997:
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Because of the creation of a hierarchy of social roles, based on Confucianism men are clearly in superior position. It can be clearly seen in a family.
Within a household unit or clan organization, men held authority and decision-making power; women were subordinate to men. In such a
system, the man had authority over all members of the family, including his wife and concubines, his sons and grandsons, their wives
and children, his unmarried daughters, and his collateral relatives who were junior to him. The man controlled the family finances and made
the final decisions about family affairs. Tsai in Leng, 1989: 227-228
The quotation above describes the power of male dominance in Chinese family. Father or husband not only has a powerful authority over his wife and his
children but also to all his family’s members. All family members have to obey every decision the father or the husband makes.
Because of this patriarchal system, women have to live in difficulty. “Women have to respect their husbands, fathers, older brothers, and other related senior
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