Re-envision of Female Relationships: Gender Interactions in the Adaptation of The Story of Rose

Abstract

This work examines the portrayal of gender interactions in Yishu's novel "The Story of Rose" and its television adaptation, highlighting the evolution from the 1980s to the early 21st century. The novel, narrated from a male internal focalization, exposes the marginalization and objectification of women within a patriarchal society. In contrast, the television adaptation employs a shifting internal focalization, showcasing a more diverse and positive representation of gender dynamics. By applying Candace West and Don H. Zimmerman's theory of "doing gender," the study reveals how gender roles are performed and renegotiated in different social contexts. The analysis underscores the shift from emphasizing gender disparities to fostering a vision of gender equality, reflecting societal progress in challenging and reconstructing traditional gender norms.