Abstract:The Thorn Birds published in the year of 1977, is the masterpiece of contemporary Australian writer Collen McCullough. It’s mainly talking about tales of the love and tragedies, showing women’s fight for their rights and independence. This article introduces the development of Australian feminism, analyzing the main female characters. This thesis consists of three chapters. Chapter One provides the basic information about the author Colleen McCullough, and makes a review of the criticisms and research on this novel. Chapter Two makes a brief survey on the development of feminist movement in Australia and the related theories of feminist criticism. Chapter Three makes an analysis on women’s oppression and awakening. It explores the images of Fiona and Mary Carson who live in the same age, and reveals the awakening of female consciousness and the limitations of women’s struggles in the early stage of feminist movement. Besides also makes a study on women’s rebellion and growth. It analyzes the images of Meggie and Justine, and reveals women’s transformation and growth in hardships. Their relationship reflects the equality and harmony between genders, which is also the ideal goal of feminism. The Thorn Birds shows us the true experiences of women’s pursuit of equality and liberation. 

Key words: The Thorn Birds; feminism; women’s growth; patriarchy

CONTENTS

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction1

 1.1The Author and The Thorn Birds

 1.2The Literature Review

 1.3The Symbolic Meaning of The Thorn Birds

2.Theoretical Basis: Feminism...4

 2.1Feminism in Australia

   2.1.1Woman’s Situation in Australia

   2.1.2Development of Australian Feminism

 2.2 Related Theories of Feminist Criticism

3.Awakening and Growth..6

 3.1 The Portrait of Fiona: Woman’s Awakening in the Bud

 3.2 The Portrait of Mary Carson: Woman’s Fighting in the Extreme

 3.3 The Portrait of Maggie: Woman’s Transformation in Hardship

 3.4 The Portrait of Justine: Woman’s Growth in Harmony

4.Conclusion10

Bibliography..11

Acknowledgements...12