Swarnakar, Sudha (1998) The fallen woman in twentieth-century English and Brazilian novels : a comparative analysis of D.H. Lawrence and Jorge Amado. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This thesis offers a thematic comparison of the ways in which fallen women are depicted
by two writers: D. H. Lawrence (1885-1930) and Jorge Amado (1912- ). The
comparison highlights the contrasts and similarities between two cultures and how they
are reflected in literature. The focus of the thesis is on an examination of unconventional
female characters and it illuminates more generally the ways in which literary creativity
is shaped by the interaction between writers and their social milieus.
The theme of the fallen woman provokes discussion of changing patterns of sexuality
in two different societies, in two different periods of their historical development. It also
involves the question of the social, political and cultural background of both England
and Brazil, where these images of the fallen women were fabricated. The thesis argues
that both Lawrence and Amado share tremendous sympathy for these women.
The thesis is divided into eight chapters. Chapters Two through Six are divided into
two parts. The analysis in Part One involves a number of Lawrence's novels: The White
Peacock, Sons and Lovers, The Lost Girl, Aaron's Rod, Mr. Noon, `Sun', and three
versions of Lady Chatterley's Lover. Part Two looks at the fallen woman in Amado's
writing from 1934 to 1977, and the discussion focuses on Jubiabä, Terras do sem fim,
Gabriela, cravo e canela, Dona Flor e seus dois maridos, Tereza Batista cansada de
guerra and Tieta do Agreste.
Female desire and its fulfilment in an unconventional way has been a central question
in all these novels. Without a moral judgement, both Lawrence and Amado depict the
female characters who are triumphant lovers, redeemed from the sense of sin or guilt by
their passion. The depiction of these women highlights the class and gender differences.
Both writers show how patriarchy plays a dominant role in keeping female sexuality
under control in both English and Brazilian societies.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	P Language and Literature > PQ Romance literatures P Language and Literature > PR English literature
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Lawrence, D. H. (David Herbert), 1885-1930 -- Criticism and interpretation, Amado, Jorge, 1912-2001 -- Criticism and interpretation, Women in literature, Sex in literature
Official Date:	October 1998
Dates:	Date Event October 1998 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Centre for British Comparative Cultural Studies
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Bassnett, Susan ; Gilmore, John, 1956-
Sponsors:	Brazil. Coordenação do Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)
Extent:	viii, 361 leaves
Language:	eng

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