Exploring Woman's Quest for Freedom in Margaret Laurence's novel A Jest of God

Abstract

A Jest of God (1966) is second novel of the Manawaka series of novels written by Margaret Laurence, an illustrious Canadian novelist. This research paper explores the elements of feminism in A Jest of God. The protagonist, Rachel Cameron, is a thirty four year old sinister school teacher teaching in aprimary school. After the demise of her father she comes home discontinuing her university education to take care her senile and ailing mother. The novel delineates the plight of women in the androcentric set up. The protagonist is reared to be stereotype woman. Her mother believes virginity is a precious possession of woman and considers unmarried mother as fallen woman. Due to her bond with mother Rachel lives in the spaces –her house, school and inner self. She becomes victim of inferiority complex, feelings of insecurity and alienation. She struggles to achieve freedom and identity.Her affair and sexual relation with Nick, a teacher from different community during summer holiday is a step towards liberation. She changes her attitude towards Calla, her fellow teacher and approves Calla’s independence and her critical opinion of stereotype women’s fashion. She decides to move to Vancouverwith her mother where her sister Stacey lives. Finally, the protagonist achieves freedom and asserts her identity.