Self-Othering and Subjectivity Crisis: Three Archetypal Paths of the Second-Generation Nora in Eileen Chang’s Novels
International Journal of Social Science and Education Research, (2025), Vol.8, No.11, pp.49-55
Published: October 30, 2025
Abstract
This study applies Simone de Beauvoir's existentialist framework of the "Other" to deconstruct the paradoxical subjectivity formation in Eileen Chang's female protagonists, delineating three constitutive patterns: Commodified Subjectivity (Ge Weilong, Bai Liusu): strategic embodiment of colonial-era erotic capital that ultimately reinforces their own commodification; Ethical Concession (Feng Biluo, Gu Manzhen): gradual internalization of patriarchal norms that systematically neutralizes resistance; Traumatic Reproduction (Cao Qiqiao): pathological reenactment of oppression through maternally transmitted violence.Chang's theoretical breakthrough manifests in her exposition of voluntary self-othering, wherein female characters consciously engage in self-delusion and auto-objectification. This dissection of female complicity and psychological vulnerabilities not only constitutes a creative development of Beauvoir's theory of the "Other" but also offers crucial insights for contemporary feminism, serving as a critical warning against the trap of "quasi-masculine liberation".
Keywords:
Eileen Chang (Zhang Ailing), Simone de Beauvoir, Theory of the Other, Second-Generation Nora, Self-Othering
APA Citation:
Yujing Ma (2025). Self-Othering and Subjectivity Crisis: Three Archetypal Paths of the Second-Generation Nora in Eileen Chang’s Novels. International Journal of Social Science and Education Research, 8(11), 49-55. https://doi.org/10.6918/IJOSSER.202511_8(11).0007
References
- The Reform of Vernacular and Literary Psychology, published in The Great Series of Chinese New Literature: Collection of Construction Theory, Shanghai Literature and Art Publishing House, 2003.
- Song Jianhua. Dislocated Dialogues: On the Chinese Discourse of the "Nora" Phenomenon [J]. Literary Review, 2011(01):122-129.
- Shen Jingmei. Analysis of Differences Between the Novel and Film of "Lust, Caution" [J]. Film Literature, 2015(19):83-85.
- Xu Jipeng. Narrative, Language, and Imagery: The Presentation of Literary Implications in Adaptations of Eileen Chang's Novels [J]. Film Literature, 2024(19):134-137+158.
- Ren Jia. The Awakening of Feminist Subjectivity in Chinese Cinema —— A Case Study of Eileen Chang's Collaborations with Wen Hua Film Company [J]. Film Review, 2015,(02):68-70.DOI:10.16583/j.cnki.52-1014/j.2015.02.002.
- Huang Qing. On Situational Reciprocity Narratives in Eileen Chang's Literary Works [J]. Journal of Southeast University (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition), 2025,27(01):133-143+152.DOI:10.13916/j.cnki.issn1671-511x.2025.01.012.
- Kang Baocheng. The Metaphor of Golden Locks: From Guan Hanqing's "The Injustice to Dou E" to Eileen Chang's "The Woman of Grievance" [J]. Academic Research, 2023(02):152-160.
- Xian Liqiang. From Foot to Body: The Bodily Writing in Eileen Chang's Novels "The Golden Cangue" and "The Woman of Grievance" [J]. Chinese Literary Studies, 2024. (04):131-141.DOI:10.13399/j.cnki.zgwxyj.2024.04.015.
- Zhu Jing. The Ledger in Letters —— Zhang Ailing's Economic Conditions During the American Period [J]. New Literary Historical Materials, 2024(01):23-29.
- Lu Yang. Zhang Ailing's Depiction of American Social Scenes —— "Vastness" Landscape, Ethnic Culture, and Sexual Revolution [J]. Chinese Comparative Literature, 2025,(01):208-224.DOI:10.16234/j.cnki.cn31-1694/i.2025.01.023.
- Liu Chuange. The Banner of Enlightenment Literature and the Benchmark of Aesthetic Literature —— A Comparative Study of Lu Xun and Zhang Ailing [J]. Southern Literary Forum, 2020,(05):99-108.DOI:10.14065/j.cnki.nfwt.2020.05.015.
- Wang Hui. Su Qing and Zhang Ailing's "Heaven and Earth" Bond —— Special Issue on Reproduction: "Save the Children" [J]. Academic Exchange, 2018(11):166-172.
- He Xingfeng. Zhang Ailing Studies in North America [J]. Chinese Literature, 2002(1):23-27.
- Li J T. Politics of Self-Translation: Eileen Chang [J]. Perspectives, 2006,14(2):99-106.
- Qu L. Writing, Rewriting and Miswriting: Chang Hsien-chang's Late Style Against the Grain [J]. CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture, 2020,21(6):7.
- Lee O.F. Chang and Cinema [J]. Journal of Modern Chinese Literature, 1999,2(2):2.
- Liu R. Identity Creation and Femininity: A Comparison Between Chang Hsien-chang and Jeanette Winterson and Cultural Influences in Literary Contexts [J]. Library of Progress-Library Science, Information Technology & Computer, 2024, 44(3).
- วาสนา วงศ์ สุร วั ฒ น์. Free Love: Gender Politics of Romance in the Chinese Revolution[J]. Social Sciences Academic Journal, Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University, 2011, 23(1-2): 83-108.
- Song Jianhua and Liu Li. "The Mask of Beauty" —— On the Rational Insight into Women's Psychological Shadows in Eileen Chang's Novels [J]. Journal of Jinan University (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition), 2006,28(2):84-89
- Dong Huichuan & Yu Xinqi. An Inquiry into the Origins of Women's Spiritual Dilemmas: Modern Novels by Eileen Chang, Su Qing, and Mei Niang [J]. Oriental Forum-Journal of Qingdao University (Social Sciences Edition), 2025(2):77-85.
- Eileen Chang: "Half a Lifelong Romance", pp. 245-246.
- Lu Xun: "What Happens After Nora Leaves", in Complete Works of Lu Xun. 1, Beijing: People's Literature Publishing House, 2005, p. 168.
- Shao Yingjian. Re-reading Eileen Chang's "The Golden Cangue" [J]. Chinese Modern Literature Research Series, 1996. (03):236-252. DOI:10.16287/j.cnki.cn11-2589/i.1996.03.018.
- Yu Yanping. The Subversion of Maternal Imagery —— Comparative Analysis of "The Golden Cangue" and "Mother and Daughter" [J]. Mingzuo Pinxiang, 2011, (24):140-141.
- Song Jianhua. "Golden Cangue" May Not Represent "Money" —— On Zhang Ailing's Feminist Self-Reflection in "The Golden Cangue" [J]. Fujian Forum (Humanities and Social Sciences Edition), 2008, (03):85-89.
- Zhang Ailing. Legends: Short Story Collection [M]. Beijing: Beijing October Literature and Art Publishing House, 2021.