Abstract

Martin Eden is American writer Jack London’s semi-biographical novel. It is a story of the eponymous hero, Martin Eden. In order to match up to his lover Ruth, Martin struggled from a poor sailor to a wealthy writer. But he feels confused and disillusioned after his success, and commits suicide in the end. 

The creation and portrayal of the hero Martin Eden is so outstanding and remarkable that most scholars lay their focus on Martin when appreciating this novel. The vivid images of female characters are often neglected. To understand this story completely and thoroughly, it is necessary to analyze those female characters who have great influence on hero’s life. Therefore, this thesis will apply the theory of feminist criticism to analyze the female images in the novel and Martin’s attitudes towards them. After that the author’s feminist perspective will also be explored. This thesis will end up in the conclusion that although Jack London’s attitudes towards women were contradictory, he is by no means a male-chauvinist writer.

Key Words: Martin Eden; Jack London; feminist criticism

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction of Jack London-1

1.2 Introduction of Martin Eden-1

1.2.1 The Story-1

1.2.2 The Background-2

1.3 Feminist Criticism-3

2. Literature Review-4

3. Analysis of Female Characters in Martin Eden-6

3.1 Traditional Women from Upper Class-6

3.1.1 Ruth Morse: Martin’s Lover-6

3.1.2 Mrs. Morse: Ruth’s Mother-8

3.2 Traditional Women from Lower Class-9

3.2.1 Gertrude: Martin’s Sister-9

3.2.2 Lizzie Connolly: Martin’s Pursuer-9

3.3 Martin Eden’s Contradictory Attitudes towards Women-11

4. Jack London’s Attitudes towards Women-12

4.1 Jack London’s Contradictory Attitudes towards Women-12

4.2 Jack London’s Progressiveness on Gender Issue-12

4.3 Jack London’s Limitation on Gender Issue-13

5. Conclusion-14

References-15