BIS3023 LITERARY CRITICISM

INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENT

PREPARED BY:

NAMA NO MATRIK

NUR FAIZATUL NAZIHAH BINTI MOHAMAD ZAZALI D20221103528

LECTURE GROUP: C

LECTURER NAME: DR. HAMOUD YAHYA AHMED MOHSEN

1) Choose a theory in the course

Based on my reading about feminist theory, what I understand about this theory of
feminism is that it is about gender equality. Gender equality is giving equal rights between
men and women both socially, economically and politically. What I understand more about
feminism theory is, this feminism raises the rank of women in the social hierarchy class. In
the past, women were considered a low class group because their job was only in the kitchen,
giving birth to offspring, and managing the household. While men are the main driver of the
family economy. This situation has resulted in women being looked down upon by society.
This is said to be so because women do not bring any change in terms of economic
development of the family. They only increase the number of children and manage the
kitchen only. But now, society has become increasingly aware of the world's changes.
Today's women are also more advanced and literate. Women have also been given equal
rights with men. I do not deny that the oppression of women does not happen, but the
oppression of women is decreasing because the society has the awareness to respect women.
Many feminism activities that fight for human rights. They want women to be treated fairly
and get the same rights as men especially in political, social, and economic terms. Women
should not be limited to doing what they want to do. The role of women in this era of
globalization is expanding. This indicates that the status of women has been elevated in
society. I have chosen the theory of feminism to analyze the book I read. I chose this theory
because I wanted to know how the woman was described in the book I was reading. Next, I
want to know what are the challenges that women face to achieve their desires and dreams. In
addition, I want to know what is the power dynamic that suppresses women so that women
are so limited in doing the things they want to do. I have chose novel by Rani Manicka titled
The Rice Mother. Rani Manicka, an economics graduate, was born and educated in Malaysia.
Infused with her own South Asian family history, The Rice Mother is her first novel. The
synopsis of this novel is tell about Lakshmi, at the age fourteen leaves behind her childhood
among the mango trees of Ceylon (Sri Lanka, India) for married life across the ocean in
Malaysia, and soon finds herself struggling to raise a family in a country that is, by turns,
unyielding and amazing, brutal, and beautiful. Giving birth to a child every year until she is
nineteen, Lakshmi becomes a formidable matriarch, determined to secure a better life for her
daughters and sons. From the Japanese occupation during World War II to the torture of
watching some of her children succumb to life’s most terrible temptations, she rises to face
every new challenge with almost mythic strength. Dreamy and lyrical, told in the alternating
voices of the men and women of this amazing family, The Rice Mother gorgeously evokes a
world where small pleasures offset unimaginable horrors, where ghosts and gods walk hand
in hand. It marks the triumphant debut of a writer whose wisdom and soaring prose will touch
readers, especially women, the world over.

2) Apply the chosen theory and write a critical analysis

In chapter 1 "Little Children Stumbling in the Dark" of The Rice Mother by Rani
Manicka, there is an example of feminism in the form of Lakshmi's realization of the
limitations of her autonomy and her inability to make choices for herself when she is forced
into an arranged marriage. The situation is a common one for women in patriarchal societies,
where marriage is often used as a tool of social control, reinforcing gendered power
imbalances and limiting women's power. Lakshmi, the main character, is introduced as a
young girl with a thirst for knowledge and a desire to explore the world beyond the confines
of her village. However, her dreams are cut short when her father arranges her marriage to a
man she has never met. Lakshmi initially protests, stating that she wants to pursue her
education and see the world, but her father dismisses her desires, telling her that she is a
woman and her duty is to marry and have children. Representation of women in this chapter 1
in The Rice Mother is Lakshmi's character is portrayed as a young girl who is curious,
resilient, and full of potential. However, her opportunities are limited due to the patriarchal
structures and society expectations present in her community. Women in Lakshmi's world are
primarily defined by their roles as wives and mothers, and their worth is often tied to their
ability to bear children. Gendered expectations in this chapter is Lakshmi's grandmother,
Kali, plays a significant role in shaping her understanding of womanhood. Kali's teachings
emphasize traditional gender roles, emphasizing obedience and submission to men. Kali's
strict enforcement of society norms reflects the pressures faced by women to conform to
prescribed gender roles, reinforcing the patriarchal expectations imposed upon them. This
representation reflects the gendered stereotypes and expectations imposed on women during
that time. This situation highlights the ways in which women are often devalued and treated
as second-class citizens in patriarchal societies. Lakshmi's desires and aspirations are
dismissed simply because of her gender, and she is forced into a life that is not of her choice.
Her father's words reflect the society pressure to conform to traditional gender roles,
reinforcing gendered power imbalances and limiting women's power. Patriarchal structures in
this chapter highlights the patriarchal nature of Lakshmi's society. Her father, referred to as
"the Big Man," exercises control and authority within the family. He determines the course of
Lakshmi's life, arranging her marriage at a young age to fulfill society expectations. This
demonstrates how patriarchal structures limit women's power and decision-making power,
relegating them to subservient roles. This example of feminism in chapter 1 of The Rice
Mother underscores the importance of challenging patriarchal power structures and
advocating for gender equality. It highlights the ways in which gender intersects with other
systems of power, such as family and society expectations, and reinforces our understanding
of the representation of women in literature. What I can conclude from the results of the text
analysis of chapter 1 of Rani Manicka's book is that women have limitations in doing
something they want to do. They have to follow the standards set by society. If they do not
follow these standards, they are considered to have violated the norms of society. Women are
also denied their basic human rights, for example the right to get an education. They will
always be bound by the will of society based on socio-culture. Meaning, the socio-culture of
the society itself is what makes the woman forced to follow the rules that have been set. For
example, Lakshmi's grandmother has revealed to her the role of a woman which is her duty in
the kitchen and taking care of the children. Next, the power dynamic that oppresses women
rests with men and society. Men always bully women to move forward. For example,
Lakshmi's father had planned a marriage without Laskshmi's consent and said that a woman's
job is to give birth to offspring and help the family, not to further higher education.