Zoha Seddighi - Shiraz University of Technology

This paper analyzes the concept of family in Modernism in a short story entitled The Voyage written by Katherine Mansfield, who was an eminent female writer of the twentieth century. This story includes the most debated topics of the time and makes an outstanding comparison between the opposing doctrines of Victorianism and Modernism. The concept of family is indeed significant to analyze, as families are microcosms of their societies. To ultimately understand the concept of family and the relationships between family members as well as the role that each member plays; various concepts are analyzed in this paper: feminism, childhood, patriarchalism, home, interpersonal interactions, finance, social class and religion along with relevant symbols and imageries. The dead mother, the grandmother and Fenella are representations of modern female figures, while the father and grandfather reflect the doctrines of a patriarchal society. Furthermore, Fenella as the portrayal of children in Modernism indicates that Modernism refuses Victorianism. Her characterization also shows that her life is deeply impacted by adults.

Modernism, Childhood, Fenella, Home, Family, Relationship, Feminism, Patriarchalism