Journal of Academic Research for Humanities (JARH) is a double-blind, peer-reviewed, Open Free Access, online Multidisciplinary Research Journal
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Vol. 6 No. 3 (2026)
International Journal of Academic Research for Humanities

Research Articles

The Female Resistance and Empowerment under Patriarchy: Reconsidering Mata Hari in The Spy

https://doi.org/10.67244/jar.bwo-researches.v6i3.a610

Published 24-09-2026

  • Mohammad Bilal
    • ,
  • Rizwana Iqbal

Mohammad Bilal
Associate Professor, English Department, Iqra National University, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Rizwana Iqbal
Associate Professor, English, Iqra National University, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

The research examines, from a feminist perspective, rebellion and women's empowerment in relation to the main character, Mata Hari. The goal is to justify Mata's rebellious actions throughout the story. The current study investigates hopelessness and deprivation in society. This study aims to examine women's deprivation and hopelessness in Paulo Coelho's 2016 novel The Spy. The theoretical foundation for this study is found in Millett's opening section of Sexual Politics (1970), which delves deeply into the distribution of unequal power from patriarchal structures that give men more freedom, authority, and power. Gender equality is the ultimate goal of all feminism, including feminist theory and literary criticism, which aim to change the world. It is not feminist to despise men in any manner. Acts of disobedience and empowerment are discussed in the study's results, along with women's challenges with family bankruptcy, financial difficulties, and a desire for chastity and status.

Keywords

Women struggle, Rebellion, Deprivation, hopelessness, Power

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