Woman in the works of Erendi̇z Atasü

The primary aim of this dissertation is to present the development of feminist movement and feminist literature in the world and Turkey, and within the light of this development, to investigate how the subject of woman is covered in the literary works of Erendiz Atasü. The development of women movement in the world and Turkey was presented before the problem of woman was examined in the works of Erendiz Atasü. The woman movements in Turkey were interpreted after the historical development of woman movements was demonstrated within a chronological frame. Having informed the readers about the development of feminist theory and literature criticism, the study, under the title of 'Woman in Turkish Literature', examines the reflections of literature and gender relationship to Turkish literature, the female images of male writers, the female identity reflected in the works of female poets and writers, and female language. The writer's place and importance in woman literature were questioned in the second chapter where the Life and Works of Erendiz Atasü, renowned for her Kemalist and feminist identity, were introduced. In the third chapter of the dissertation, which is 'Woman in the works of Erendiz Atasü', essay books of the writer were referred when looking into four novels and seven storybooks thematically. Family and marriage, gender identity, education, political life, social life, nature, religion and environment titles in the literary works were analyzed from a feminist perspective. Critical attitude of Atasü towards gender hierarchy was put forward, who describes the developmental adventure of woman's individual and societal identity. The limits of fiction and reality were questioned by identifying the autobiographical elements, frequently used by Atasü, who reflects her academic identity specifically in the language of her works. The interaction between Atasü and Virginia Woolf, who was frequently reported to be admired by the writer, was examined in thematic chapter, specifically under the titles of identity and completion. When the feminist critical method was utilized, the function of woman language, used by the writer instead of patriarchal discourse, was evaluated. Besides, the connection between the constant disappointment of female characters of Atasü in their love, sex and marriage lives and societal gender roles was discussed. In the final chapter, underlying the fact that Erendiz Atasü is a writer who opposes the male hegemony, denounces and criticizes sexist organizations and questions the state of being female in different parts of life, the conclusions concerning the feminist elements in her works were propounded. Keywords: Woman, woman literature, gender roles