ABSTRACT

This thesis is a comparative study of the two heroines in North and South and Jane Eyre from the perspective of Feminism. North and South is one of Elizabeth Gaskell masterpieces which was written in the mid-term of her career as a writer while Jane Eyre, is written by Charlotte Bronte who is a friend of Elizabeth Gaskell. The two heroines, Jane Eyre and Margaret, represent the 19th century women. Their social status and life struggles reflected the social realities of their time. Both Elizabeth Gaskell and Charlotte Bronte tried to inspire women readers of the novels to learn something from the heroines who could be regarded as feminist pioneers. They remind people that love is the most important factor in marriage; love is based on the equality of the spirit instead of money, social status, appearance or anything else. 

Key words:   Feminism; North and South; Jane Eyre

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One INTRODUCTION-1

1.1 Research Background-2

1.2 Purpose and Significance of the Thesis-2

1.3 About the Structure-3

Chapter Two LITERATURE REVIEW-4

2.1 The Definition of Feminism -4

2.2 The Development of Feminism-4

2.3 Studies of North and South and Jane Eyre-5

Chapter Three THE COMPARISON BETWEEN THE TWO HEROINES-6

3.1 Independence of the Characters-6-

3.2 Attitudes towards Life Struggles-7

3.3 Attitudes towards Love and Marriage -8

Chapter Four THE COMPARISON BETWEEN THE AUTHORS-10

4.1 The Authors’ Social Backgrounds and Family Background-11

4.2 The Authors’ Personalities-12

Chapter Five CONCLUSIONS-14

REFERENCES-15