A Cross-Cultural Study of Family Power Structures in 'Thunderstorm'
Abstract
The family tragedy in "Thunderstorm" reveals the characteristics of the power structure under the feudal system. This paper, taking Cao Yu's "Thunderstorm" as its research object, draws on Foucault's theory of power discourse and Spivak's theory of subaltern discourse to analyze the interactions among Fanyi, Lu Shiping, and Zhou Puyuan within the family power system. The study finds that most conflicts in "Thunderstorm" require the cooperation of at least two people. The tragedy of the Zhou family is not the result of individual actions but rather the result of a three-way conspiracy within the power structure. The characters' behavioral patterns (Fanyi's madness, Lu Shiping's silence, and Zhou Puyuan's hypocrisy) create a unique power balance: the more Fanyi becomes insane, the more Zhou Puyuan disciplines and oppresses her, and the more Lu Shiping remains silent. This structural conspiracy ultimately leads to the family tragedy. This study reveals the inherent logic of power operations within the feudal family and provides a new perspective for understanding family relationships in China.
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