According to Confucian philosophy, a well-run family demonstrates that the state is also well-governed. The philosophy of Confucianism was upheld, demonstrating a patriarchal society with a great emphasis on social class and rigid gender lines, traditions and customs with a strong emphasis on male heirs to continue a family's legacy. Comparing Li Ang's novel, The Butcher's Wife and Zhang Yimou's film, Red Lantern, Confucian philosophy is clearly portrayed and shown and the main female characters fight the oppression imposed on them due to their inability to support themselves. Because Confucian philosophy implies that women and daughters are treated as objects rather than human beings, daughters are raised as barter objects and are never given the chance to learn to gain independence. Without independence, women are forced to depend on their fathers and/or husbands with no choice in any matter. Men in a patriarchal society victimize women, and women's oppression is largely influenced by the socioeconomic structure of a male-dominated society. Some argue that in order for women to liberate themselves in a male-dominated society, they must achieve economic stability. In my opinion, due to the socio-economic context of many of the works we have read, female characters do not necessarily need financial stability to receive their freedom; these women use their minds and bodies to gain power and liberation. The oppression of women can be best explained using Jean-Paul Sartre's theory of existentialism and Simone de Beauvoir's theory of existentialist feminism. Sartre's theory of existentialism and de Beauvoir's theory of existentialist feminism are similar on some points. Sartre's theory of existence... middle of paper... anger. This situation parallels the callous characteristic of Aunt Ah Wang from The Butcher's Wife. Both Aunt Ah Wang and Yindi have been so oppressed throughout their lives that when they are finally accepted into society they become the oppressors. So, this is a vicious circle. Of course, both women are oppressed in society and ultimately oppress each other. And to break out of this oppressive state, women must use their bodies to escape oppression. Poor people are always the victims. And through these two novels, we see that the main female protagonists are both victims because they come from poor families. I think Eileen Chang's writing style made her female characters seem too unrealistic. These situations are unfathomable. Her novel does not seem to describe the real struggle of traditional Chinese women.