《차가운 밤》의 쩡수셩의 곤경을 통해 상상해본 이상적 성별질서

Abstract

Through the analysis of Cold Nights, regarded as the masterpiece of Ba Jin's take on realism, this paper aims to present three aspects. First, it will delve into the conflict between the mother of Wang Wenxuan and Zeng Shusheng, which also represents the conflict between feudalism and individualism. Second, the paper analyzes the escape of a female intellectual in 1940s through the situation Zeng Shusheng goes through. Finally, it reflects upon gender norms suitable for the current modern society, seventy years after since the story was introduced and in which more working women, like Zeng Shusheng, are prevalent. The main characters' yearning for victory was an yearning for a restoration of order in their lives but the story does not present restoration of an ideal order. The devastation in Cold Nights is a result of the failure. Nevertheless, since the plot evolves to present a new historical demand among people for a change in their society and also institutional reforms amidst such devastation, the story also serves to be proof of Chinese Modern history after the Second Sino-Japanese War. The current dilemma of modern Chinese working women seems to be an extension of the difficulties faced by Zeng Chusheng. To alleviate these burdens, the story demands, “First, the state needs to implement a family-oriented policy to create a work environment amenable for working women. Second, the state needs to introduce a cultural norm through reducing gender inequalities so that men and women take responsibility of child care and education.” If men take their role to nurture their children, then women will also have time to utilize more time for leisure and tackle male-oriented gender norms to achieve gender justice.