Resilience and Resistance of Ethiopian Heroines: A Feminist Reading of Meaza Mengiste’s The Shadow King

Abstract

This article analyzes female protagonists in Maaza Mengiste’s novel The Shadow King (2019). The researcher gives a textual analysis of female characters based on a theoretical framework of post-structural feminist theories. The article critically explores the female characters’ subjectivity, sexuality, and agency. The framework of analysis is drawn from the concepts of subjectivity, agency, and sexuality. The study reveals that female characters in the selected novel are conscious of their selfhood and take pride in their identity. Despite being victims of rape and domestic violence, these women recognize their worth and are resolute in defending their country’s sovereignty by aligning with male patriots. They appear to defy the common stereotypes of female characters because they are assertive and assume agency. Biological differences and sexual abuse do not also seem to deter them from demonstrating that they have the power to excel in roles that tradition has ascribed only to men. The findings also reveal that exploring the female characters’ agency and sexuality throws new light on readers’ perceptions of the characters in the selected novel. They stand out in the novel because they have a voice, are selfconscious, and are capable of decision–making. They have individuality.