The Not-so-Failed Feminism of Jean Auel.

This article examines feminism as depicted in the book, Clan of the Cave Bear and the three other novels in Jean Auel's Earth's Children series. According to critic Bernard Gallagher, the Clan of the Cave Bear constitutes a failed feminist novel. Gallagher reports that he initially regarded the novel as a real triumph but is disappointed in the book. Gallagher suggested that the book reflects the view that relations between the sexes are a matter of either/or, wherein either men are dominant or women are dominant. Gallagher sees the book primarily as a tale of the conflict between an independent and talented woman and a patriarchal cultural that reviles her. Yet, Gallagher argues that the book contain certain elements that prevent it from fitting a feminist category. Allegedly, within a broader context, Auel's work can be considered feminist. Auel's feminism might be described as one that entails equality of access to political power and occupations, and a blending of gender roles. Gallagher finds Auel's account of the sexism embedded in Clan customs and language to be a truly feminist critique. In addition, Gallagher notes that the independence of the main character in the book has led her to banishment.