REJECTION OF WOMEN’S SUBMISSION IN JAMAICA KINCAID’S LUCY

Abstract

This study examines the rejection of women’s submission as portrayed in Lucy (1990) by Jamaica Kincaid using feminist literary theory. It aims to identify the forms of female submission rooted in culture and analyze how the main character rejects traditional roles that marginalize and oppress women. Employing a qualitative approach, the novel serves as the primary data source, supported by secondary sources such as scholarly books, journal articles, and library research. Data are collected through close reading and note-taking, then categorized and analyzed from a feminist perspective. The findings reveal that women’s submission is manifested through traditional gender roles that confine women to the domestic sphere and restrict their autonomy. The main character’s rejection of these roles represents both a form of self-defense and an act of transcending social expectations imposed on women. This rejection demonstrates a conscious effort to gain independence, assert personal freedom, and challenge patriarchal norms. The study concludes that rejecting women’s submission is essential for achieving self-determination and equality, emphasizing the importance of encouraging women to step beyond their comfort zones, claim authority over their lives, and actively participate in both domestic and public spheres.