Abstract

Motherhood is a recurrent theme in most of Margaret Drabble’s works. In patriarchal society, Motherhood is just treated as a trait of a mother, when she is but a tool to pass on the family’s blood. However, Drabble views motherhood as emotional indispensability in a good relationship of a woman and her children. It is also bliss in the world. With the development of the society and the improvement of the woman’s status, motherhood can be a source of creativity and joy not only for women but for people around them.

Motherhood is usually demonstrated through mother images. There are two kinds of mother images in Drabble’s novels, one is a degraded mother image, the other is a glorified and ideal mother image. In Jerusalem the Golden, these two images are represented by Mrs. Maugham as the former while Mrs. Denham as the latter. Differences in behavior of these two types of mothers deeply affect on themselves, their family and society. The thesis will analyze the different deeds of the mothers in the novel and the consequences caused by these deeds. It is found that Mrs. Maugham treats her family and neighbors especially her daughter relentlessly, and these deeds cause her tense relationship with her daughter and her later lonely and miserable life. It is also found that Mrs. Denham keeps a good balance between her family and her profession, so she makes it both at home and at work. The paper proves that a mother’s improper behavior and ruthless deeds can cast a shadow on herself, family and society, while a mother’s kind and pleasant deeds cause positive influences. Meanwhile, it claims a possibility for women to balance the family and career well. On this basis, the thesis concludes that women need to seek for their careers.

Key Words: mother images; motherhood; Jerusalem the Golden; Margaret Drabble 

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1 Introduction.1

2 Effects of the Actions on Themselves.3

  2.1 Mrs. Maugham’s Actions and Effects.3

  2.2 Mrs. Denham’s Actions and Effects6

3 Influences on Their Families.8

  3.1 Mrs. Maugham’s Family.8

  3.2 Mrs. Denham’s Family .9

4 Impacts on Society.10

  4.1 The Archetype of Two Mothers.10

  4.2 Tough Neighborhood.10

  4.3 Friendly Neighborhood.12

5 Conclusion.12

References15