Abstract

Edith Wharton is one of the most influential female writers in the history of American literature. The Age of Innocence which was published in 1920 helped Edith Wharton win the Pulitzer Prize. As a female writer, she shows her sincere concern about women’s suffering and liberation in male-dominated traditional society, which is reflected in her classic work——The Age of Innocence. This thesis attempts to interpret the feminist thoughts by analyzing the character of the three characters, thus revealing women struggling for their freedom and happiness was a very hard fight in a male-dominated traditional society.

Key words: The Age of Innocence,Feminism,personal character,fight,suppression

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

I. An Introduction to Edith Wharton and Her Works-1

II. The Analysis of Characters in The Age of Innocence-2

2.1 Ellen Olenska—pursuit of freedom-2

2.2 May Welland—the life based on standard-4

2.3 Newland Archer—hypocritical feminist consciousness-5

Ⅲ.Arduousness of Women’s Struggle-6

3.1 Failing to ally any male-6

3.2 Suppressed by the whole New York society-7

Ⅳ. Edith Wharton’s Feminism in The Age of Innocence-8

4.1 Anti-traditional thoughts-8

4.2 Keep independent personality-9

Ⅴ. Conclusion-10

References-11