The Interaction between Feudal Family Ethics and Female Tragedy in Modern Chinese Theatre: An Example from Cao Yu’s Thunderstorm

Sino-French Institute, Renmin University of China, 215123 Jiangsu, China

^* Corresponding author: 2024202007@ruc.edu.cn

Abstract

In today’s society, with the change of social structure and values, women’s issues have become a hot topic in society. The situation of women in different eras is closely linked to family ethics in the current social context. Cao Yu’s classic play Thunderstorm profoundly reveals the repression and distortion of human nature by feudal family ethics, especially the far-reaching impact on the fate of women. This paper uses the literature method, text method and comparative research method to explore the interaction between feudal family ethics and female tragedy in modern Chinese theatre by combing through the relevant literature and comparing the different types of female tragedy in it with the specific plot of Thunderstorm. The study has found that in the context of feudal society, family ethics restricted women’s freedom and rights, leading to tragedies in love, marriage and many other aspects. Female tragedy in turn has impacts on family ethics, triggering reflection on family ethics and social morality and promoting their change. The purpose of this paper is to explore the interaction between feudal family ethics and female tragedy and to provide insights for addressing women’s and gender issues in modern society.