Abstract: This thesis, by focusing on seven parts which are related to the heroine Antonia in the novel My Antonia, uses the theory of androgyny to analyze the processes of Antonia’s awakening of female consciousness: in youth, after betrayal and in middle-age. This article focuses on how Antonia gradually escapes from the control of male power and how she changes from a girl dependent on males in adolescence to a pioneer woman who realizes the importance of self-independent. At a young age, because of the death of her father, Antonia starts to show the pursuit of financial independence and relies on her own to support the family. Not until being betrayed by her boyfriend dose she realize the significance of spiritual independence, which is the turning point of the awareness of female consciousness. After that，Antonia returns to the countryside to do farm work and raises her daughter alone. She finally owns a farm and has a lovely family in middle-age. All the hardships are opportunities to awaken her female consciousness, and it is hard work and fortitude will that help Antonia achieve the spiritual and financial independence.

Key words: awakening; female consciousness; My Antonia; Willa Cather

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1.Introduction.1

1.1 Introduction to My Antonia and the Author

1.2 Female Consciousness

2.Literature Review.3

3. Awakening of Antonia’s Female Consciousness4

3.1Self-reliance in Youth

3.2Self-establishment after Betrayal 

3.3Maturity of Female Consciousness in Middle-age

4. Conclusion10

Bibliography.11

Acknowledgements .12