ABSTRACT

Fowles is one of the famous contemporary British novelists. His works The French Lieutenant's Woman has received strong responses among the critics since it was published in 1969. This thesis mainly discusses the expression and construction of feminism in the works and the author's feminist thought through the combination of the author's writing background and the characteristics and dilemma of the characters. From the perspective of feminism, a more comprehensive understanding of the performance and development of the female consciousness in Fowles’ literary works can be studied.

Key words：John Fowles; The French Lieutenant's Woman ; female consciousness; liberation

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One  INTRODUCTION-1

1.1 A Brief Introduction to John Fowles and The French Lieutenant's Woman-1

1.2 Literature Review-2

1.3 The Significance of This Thesis-4

Chapter Two  PREJUDICE AGAINST FEMALES-5

2.1 Humble Social Status-5

2.2 Economic Oppression-6

2.3 Cultural Stereotypes-7

Chapter Three  AWAKENING OF FEMALE CONSCIOUSNESS-9

WORKS CITED-20

3.1 Resisting Against Mrs. Poulteney-9

3.2 Striving for Survival-10

3.3 Challenging Hypocritical Religion-11

Chapter Four  A BRAND NEW WOMAN-13

4.1 Achieving Economic Independence-13

4.2 Obtaining Spiritual Freedom-14

4.3 Winning Charles' Respect-15

Chapter Five  CONCLUSION-17