GROUP 1 PERFORMANCE TASK

LITERARY CRITICISM – FEMIST APPROACH

Characterization

Topic: Maria Clara

Feminist criticism is a frequently misunderstood form of literary analysis that is difficult
to summarize. Feminist criticism investigates how literature and other forms of output promote
or destroy women's economic, political, social, and psychological oppression. The technique of
feminist criticism often involves investigating how a work's gender roles parallel or contradict
"traditional" and characteristic norms. For feminist critics, the feminism of María Clara de los
Santos y Alba in Noli Me Tangere and elfilibusterismo is a fascinating case study.
Maria Clara, the protagonist, was a sweet and kind young lady. Maria Clara, who had
been raised with tenderness, was well-loved by everyone around her and might be inspired to
acts of generosity, as in the case of the leper. Despite this, Maria Clara was torn between her love
for Ibarra and her devotion for her family, finally deciding to maintain Capitan Tiago's
reputation, despite regretting the impact her decision had on Ibarra. Maria Clara felt distressed
after her fiancé's reported death, seeking to forget Ibarra and become a nun, even desiring suicide
at one point.
But, like the majority of my female peers, I was unhappy in how Rizal's works portrayed
Filipina femininity. María Clara de los Santos, Rizal's mestiza heroine, embodies the traditional,
feminine ideal. She is the epitome of virtue, a devout Roman Catholic, modest, upright, and, of
course, fainting prone. She is Rizal's primary protagonist's love interest, and her only purpose is
to wait for him to return from his great adventure, hoping that her devotion will be rewarded with
a successful marriage one day.
Women were once expected to act like "Maria Clara," the "ideal" representation of an
innocent, secluded woman who was always modest and obedient. Such characteristics are not
necessarily harmful, but current times demand that men and women be treated equally. Women
today are self-sufficient, capable, and in command of their own priorities.
Members: