Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Humanities, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
2 Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Humanities, Arak University, Arak
Abstract
Abstract
The current research presents a comparative analysis of the female hero’s journey in two novels: My Share by Parinoush Saniee and A Lonely Girl by Edna O’Brien. This analysis is conducted based on Maureen Murdock’s nine-stage model to explore the reflection of the “ideal worldview of contemporary female writers” and the formation of a “Female Utopia” in two distinct cultural contexts. The results indicate that both heroines (Ma'soumeh and Kathleen) follow a path of separation from traditional femininity and identification with masculine ideals. Both are ultimately disappointed in the "Descent" stage by their male allies (Hamid and Eugene), as their allies fail to fully support their journey. However, their ultimate fate is influenced by the degree of influence exerted by tradition and social structures. Kathleen’s journey (Ireland) follows a linear and evolutionary path that culminates in autonomy, individual independence, and the "Sacred Marriage" (complete union with the self). In contrast, Ma'soumeh’s journey (Iran) is cyclical and tragically repetitive. Overall, this study demonstrates that in traditional societies, the Female Utopia is often limited to managing life within the framework of responsibility, whereas in more open societies, the final goal is identity independence and complete individuality.
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