Harahap, Sherenita Widya Rahmi (2026) THE OBJECTIFICATION OF CAMILLA MACAULAY IN DONNA TARTT’S THE SECRET HISTORY (1992). Undergraduate thesis, Fakultas Ilmu Budaya.

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Abstract

This thesis uses feminist literary criticism to investigate the objectification of Camilla
Macaulay and the functioning of the male gaze in Donna Tartt’s The Secret History.
The study applies a qualitative descriptive method through a library research approach.
The primary data are the descriptions, dialogues, and sentences describing the physical
appearance, behaviour, emotions, and social position of Camilla, especially from the
male narrator, Richard Papen. The focus of the research is on the construction of
Camilla in the narrative and the perception and definition of her identity by the male
characters. The theoretical framework for the study is objectification theory
(Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997). This paper uses this framework to analyze the
construction of Camilla’s characterization by the male gaze and the restrictions it places
on her individuality throughout the novel. According to the findings of the study,
Camilla is constantly depicted as an object rather than a full-fledged subject with
individuality. Male characters, including the male narrator, constantly emphasize her
beauty, innocence, and femininity as a way of objectifying her character for the
purposes of admiration and desire.
Keywords: male gaze, objectification, feminist literary criticism, patriarchy.

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