ABSTRACT

Jane Eyre and Thunderstorm are masterpieces of English literature and Chinese literature, and they all successfully create the image of "mad woman"-- Bertha and Fan Yi. Although living in different ages, nations and cultures, they are closely connected by their same destiny and experience. By comparing the two famous mad women, it can be seen that women are driven crazy by patriarchal society, and the essence of madness is their resistance towards patriarchal society. At the same time, we can find that both writers show great sympathy for women’s miserable destiny so as to arouse ponders over issue concerning feminism, to boost the development of feminism and promote the construction of harmonious feministic society.

Key words: madwomen, comparative analysis, patriarchal society, resistance

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One  INTRODUCTION-5

1.1 Background of the Study-5

1.2 Significance of the Study.6 

1.3 Structure of the Thesis.7

Chapter Two  LITERATURE REVIEW8-

 2.1 Previous Study of Jane Eyre8

 2.2 Previous Study of Thunderstorm.9

Chapter Three  CRAZY ROAD-10 

3.1 Crazy Road of Bertha Mason-10 

3.2 Crazy Road of Fan Yi-11

Chapter FourREASONS FOR WOMEN’S MADNESS- 12

4.1 Oppression of Men12

4.1.1 Unfortunate Living Situation of Bertha Mason.12

4.1.2 Unfortunate Living Situation of Fan Yi.15

4.2 Struggle of Women18 

4.2.1 The Resistance of Bertha Mason.18

4.2.2 The Challenge of Fan Yi20

Chapter Five  CONCLUSION.21 

5.1 Major Findings.21 

5.1.1 The Essence of Madness22

5.1.2 Writers' Sympathy23

 5.2 Suggestion and Limitation of the Study.24

REFRENCES.25