A Cross-Cultural Study of Family Power Structures in 'Thunderstorm'
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A Cross-Cultural Study of Family Power Structures in 'Thunderstorm'

Zihan Lin 1*
1 Hong Kong Metropolitan University
*Corresponding author: s1340736@live.hkmu.edu.hk
Published on 2 October 2025
Journal Cover
LNEP Vol.124
ISSN (Print): 2753-7056
ISSN (Online): 2753-7048
ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-405-2
ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-406-9
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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.

Keywords:

Thunderstorm, family power, power structure, cross-cultural research

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Lin,Z. (2025). A Cross-Cultural Study of Family Power Structures in 'Thunderstorm'. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,124,31-37.

References

[1]. Fan, G. L., & Lu, W. (2019). The most complex character in Thunderstorm: Reinterpretation of Zhou Puyuan. Drama Art, 5, 121-135.

[2]. Song, M. Y. (2023). Ripples in the well under the thunderstorm: Analysis of Fan Yi's character in Thunderstorm. Drama Home, 31, 3-5.

[3]. Foucault, M. (1975). Discipline and punish: The birth of the prison. Vintage Books.

[4]. Spivak, G. C. (1988). Can the subaltern speak? In C. Nelson & L. Grossberg (Eds.), Marxism and the interpretation of culture (pp. 271-313). University of Illinois Press.

[5]. Maufort, M. (2010). Performing Europe’s 'Others: ’: Towards a Postcolonial Reinterpretation of the Shakespearean Canon. In R. Marti & H. Vogt (Eds.), Europa zwischen Fiktion und Realpolitik/L’Europe – fictions et réalités politiques (pp. 35–52). transcript Verlag. http: //www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv1fxjdn.5

[6]. Euripides. (431 BCE). Μήδεια [Medea]. (First performed 431 BCE).

[7]. Certeau, M. d. (1984). The practice of everyday life. University of California Press.

[8]. Ibsen, H. (1879). Et dukkehjem [A doll's house]. Gyldendal Norsk Forlag.

[9]. Foucault, M. (1977). Language, counter-memory, practice: Selected essays and interviews. Cornell University Press.

References

[1]. Fan, G. L., & Lu, W. (2019). The most complex character in Thunderstorm: Reinterpretation of Zhou Puyuan. Drama Art, 5, 121-135.

[2]. Song, M. Y. (2023). Ripples in the well under the thunderstorm: Analysis of Fan Yi's character in Thunderstorm. Drama Home, 31, 3-5.

[3]. Foucault, M. (1975). Discipline and punish: The birth of the prison. Vintage Books.

[4]. Spivak, G. C. (1988). Can the subaltern speak? In C. Nelson & L. Grossberg (Eds.), Marxism and the interpretation of culture (pp. 271-313). University of Illinois Press.

[5]. Maufort, M. (2010). Performing Europe’s 'Others: ’: Towards a Postcolonial Reinterpretation of the Shakespearean Canon. In R. Marti & H. Vogt (Eds.), Europa zwischen Fiktion und Realpolitik/L’Europe – fictions et réalités politiques (pp. 35–52). transcript Verlag. http: //www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv1fxjdn.5

[6]. Euripides. (431 BCE). Μήδεια [Medea]. (First performed 431 BCE).

[7]. Certeau, M. d. (1984). The practice of everyday life. University of California Press.

[8]. Ibsen, H. (1879). Et dukkehjem [A doll's house]. Gyldendal Norsk Forlag.

[9]. Foucault, M. (1977). Language, counter-memory, practice: Selected essays and interviews. Cornell University Press.

Cite this article

Lin,Z. (2025). A Cross-Cultural Study of Family Power Structures in 'Thunderstorm'. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,124,31-37.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Volume title: Proceeding of ICIHCS 2025 Symposium: The Dialogue Between Tradition and Innovation in Language Learning

ISBN: 978-1-80590-405-2(Print) / 978-1-80590-406-9(Online)
Editor: Heidi Gregory-Mina, Enrique Mallen
Conference website: https://2025.icihcs.org/Huntsville.html
Conference date: 17 November 2025
Series: Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media
Volume number: Vol.124
ISSN: 2753-7048(Print) / 2753-7056(Online)

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