In this dissertation I attempt an evaluation of Barbara Pym as a feminist writer. I study
the central protagonists in Pym's twelve novels in the context of British society in the
1950s, 1960s and 1970s. I have drawn on feminist critical paradigms in my reading of
Pym's novels in order to highlight my insights into her women characters.
Chapter One examines Pym 's use of comedy and subversion in relation to her main
protagonists.
Chapter Two explores the 'Excellent Woman' figure in Pym's fiction and the issue of
spinsterhood.
Chapter Three scrutinises Pym's use of satire and tragedy in relation to her heroines.
Chapter Four investigates the emergence of the 'fallen' and 'formidable' women figures in
Pym's novels, and analyses the ageing spinster figure.
My conclusion is that Barbara Pym is a humanist feminist of some importance, who
succeeds in illuminating her heroines' struggles against patriarchy in the context of a
changing British society. / English Studies / M.A. (English)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/17334 |
| Date | 11 1900 |
| Creators | Blair, Cairn Fiona |
| Contributors | Byrne, D. C. (Deirdre C.) |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation |
| Format | 1 online resource (174 leaves) |
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