The Development of Female Roles: A Comparison between Chinese and Western Literature

Abstract

This paper describes the influence of western feminism on Chinese feminist literature in the 1980s. Through the research of the history of feminist literature development and comparison between western feminist literature and Chinese feminist literature, the shortages and differences of Chinese feminist literature are revealed to promote the development of modern feminist literature. The depiction and portrayal of female characters in the literature vary greatly between Western and Chinese literature. While Western literature often reinforces the submissiveness of women and the idea of a man-centric world, Chinese female literature is marked by its revolutionary significance and close relation to the movement of democracy and women's liberation. Both Western and Chinese literature works have addressed the issue of sex workers, but with different approaches. Despite personal fights, female characters such as Marguerite Gautier challenge traditional concepts and stereotypes of sex workers in Western literature. It is important to acknowledge the impact of female authors in both Western and Chinese literature and to recognize the importance of feminism in promoting gender equality worldwide.