Abstract

Mrs. Dalloway is one of the most well-known novels written by Virginia Woolf, who is considered as one of the most outstanding writers in the English literary circles. This thesis intends to analyze the writer's consciousness of eco-feminism embedded in this novel. Through the portrayal of the relationships between men and women, women and nature, Woolf intends to expose the oppression and exploitation of the patriarchal society to women and nature. At the same time, she also voices her criticism of the cruelty of the society and the war, expressing her deep concerns about human beings. Through the presentation of the female characters' awakening of self-consciousness and revolt against the patriarchal society, Woolf expounds her viewpoint of liberating women and nature, and thus keeping the integrity of all human beings. At the same time, by presenting the harmonious relationships between woman and nature, Woolf expresses her desire to construct a society where man lives in harmony with woman and all human beings live in harmony with nature.     

Keywords: Virginia Woolf；Mrs. Dalloway; eco-feminism; patriarchal society

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-2

3. Patriarchal Society's Oppression to Women and Nature-3

3.1 Patriarchal society’s invisible oppression to female characters-4

3.2 Patriarchal society's oppression to nature-5

4. Resistance and Revolt from Women-6

4.1 Burton and Clarissa’s awakening of self-consciousness-6

4.2 Clarissa's revolt against the man's oppression-8

5. Harmony Between Women and Nature-9

5.1 The amazing power of nature-9

5.2 Women’s harmony with nature-12

6. Conclusion-14

Works Cited-15