La mujer Venezolana en evolucion dentro de la dinamica cultural de su sociedad

This thesis focuses on Venezuelan women novelists from the turn of the century until the 1970's and attempts to follow their development within their social culture through their literary contributions.

In each decade or important period in the history of Venezuela the presence of the women has been felt in one capacity or another, as they contribute to the development of their society. At the turn of the century women were considered inferior to men and therefore made their contributions subtly. Little by little they incorporated them-selves more fully into their society, until today they enjoy much more freedom of action and expression. Consciously or unconsciously, Venezuelan women novelists reflect this change and emphatically show that they have contributed and still have something to contribute to the society in which they live.

In analyzing the fourteen novels included in this thesis, three basic themes stand out clearly. The five novels discussed in Chapter I deal with the struggle of Venezuelan women to be free of the conventions which were imposed upon them by society, to be allowed to know them-selves fully and finally to be permitted to participate in the development of their country. The four novels discussed in Chapter II treat the struggle of Venezuelan women to contribute to the growth of their country, as seen from two levels of development. women contributing to their country by giving the hope of better and stronger generations with each child she bears. The second level shows women who wish to be allowed to con-tribute to the progress and development of their country on the same scale as men. The five novels in Chapter III deal with the problem of wars and revolutions, aggravated by inept leaders, and the effect this has had on the Venezuelan people in general 'and the Venezuelan women in particular.

Venezuelan women still have not managed to reach the level of equality they are striving for, but as their literature shows they are very serious in continuing their effort.