Exploring Feminism in Mao Dun's Novels: Character Analysis of 'Midnight'

Midnight, a novel by Mao Dun, portrays various female characters, which embody the diverse evolution of feminism in China at that time through female characters with different backgrounds and character depths. These characters provide both positive and negative examples for reference. This paper, delving into female characters in the novel, analyzes the implied female objectification and the preliminary awakening of feminism considering the impacts of different ideologies on female development and the era. Centering on feminism, the author first discusses the survival of feminism, then examines feminism in Mao Dun's novels concerning its development in China and theories in The Second Sex, ultimately finding the different survival practices of women and how they are developed. This paper proposes suggestions for the advancement of modern feminism with equality as the priority. Women can better achieve awakening by asserting their own existence, thus promoting equality between women and men.