On The Male-female Relationship In Sherwood Anderson's Winesburg, Ohio

Sherwood Anderson, with profound influence, is one of the greatest American writers in the 20th century. William Faulkner hailed Anderson as "the father of my generation of American writers"; Malcolm Cowley regarded him as "writers' writer". Winesburg, Ohio (1919), Anderson's most well-known works, consolidates his status as the pioneer in American modern literature. In the unique form of partially novel and partially short story collection, the book depicts the psychology and atmosphere in a small town, disclosing characters'nature, desire, aspiration and exploration.This thesis is a study of the male-female relationship in Winesburg, Ohio based on textual analysis. In light of feminist theories and gender psychology researches, it reveals the significance of cherishment of feminine traits to the harmonious male-female relationship. Due to patriarchal society's neglect and denial of the female, women in Winesburg live in a closed space, deprived of exchanges with the outside. Long term repression turns them into "grotesques". While men, though favored by conventions, also suffer from distortions because of their inability to establish relationship with real women. Their indulgence in the fantasized relationship with women has further deteriorated the male-female relationship in reality. However, the female are not inferior by nature; on the contrary, women's unique traits featuring sensitivity, tenderness and gentleness are the sources of creativity, which play a critical roie in the healthy development of the male-female relationship. In Winesburg, several women's enlightenment on the leading character George Willard in various aspects vividly demonstrates values of the feminine traits. As the story carries on, the male-female relationship gradually reveals hope and vitality. Men start to be aware of the female's charm and learn to recognize and value their distinctive femininity; and women also appear to be more courageous and self-motivated, exerting their uniqueness in a new stance. Eventually, through mutual respect and effective communication, men and women have achieved genuine intimacy.