Evaluation of Erendiz Atasü's novels within in the contextof feminist criticism theory

In this study, Erendüz Atasü's novels are examined within the framework of feminist theory. The study consists of an introduction and two chapters. In the introduction chapter, the conceptualization of feminism is illustrated. In the first chapter, after the development process of feminist theory is presented. Following the discussion of how feminist theory developed and was spread out in the world, its reflections on the world and Turkish literature are discussed. While discussing the feminist theory's place within Turkish literature, the chronological order of literary eras in Turkish literature (divan literature, folk literature, Tanzimat literature etc.) is complied with. In the second chapter, the eight novels of Erendiz Atasü are analyzed in the order of their chronological dates of publishment. The novels are examined in a way that centers the plot. The entire study is based on this methodology. The feminist themes, which are found through a thematic analysis, are presented as headings. The main themes explored in these novels can be noted as gender inequality, physical/psychological violence, masculinity and femininity, abuse and femicides, patriarchal structures, financial life, being a widow, customs, gender roles, family and marriage, and sexual assault. Atasü's questioning nature on gender roles is striking as she puts emphasis on the female identity. In the novels Atasü uses a fluid and plain language. As the feminist themes in these novels have been identified, the gender hierarchy in the society and the women's position both in the social life and in literature are questioned. The function of the female voice Atasü uses as a woman writer is also given focus. In the novels, the heroines' failures and disappointments in their journeys are at the center of the plot. In the conclusion of the thesis, Atasü's questioning in her style of writing is illustrated through the analysis of the novels by interpreting the texts in terms of both how the author portrays the female identity and in terms the relation between feminist theory and the findings from the novels.