Fragmented heroes: Exploring the resilience of female figures during times of crisis in the Ninth widow

Abstract

This article analyses a unique rural female figure portrayed in The Ninth Widow written by a contemporary popular writer Yan Geling (b.1958-). This article describes how one of these rural women (the ninth “widow”) demonstrates growing self-empowerment and awareness throughout the analysis. Even though there is fragmentation in her relationship with fellow villagers and presiding authorities, her strong farming skills, and her ability to provide food and emotional support for others mitigated the potentially tragic outcomes for her and her family. This study proposes that female fragmentation of self-image and interpersonal relationships can be attributed to oppressive forces, which often result in negative or tragic outcomes. It indicates that even the seemingly liberated female figures depicted in various contexts are likely to experience oppression due to the intricate cultural challenges women confronted during those periods.