| Mary Gaunt was an independent woman, passionate above all in what she called the "improper desire" to travel. As a writer she was both prolific and challenging, contributing duly to the growing reputation of Australian women writers. While many of her books draw on overseas travel, some of her works are based in Australia and have important comments to make on the Australian way of life, esp., concerning the disputable question of the rights of individual women to independence and equality.Mary Gaunt's novel Kirkham's Find, first published in 1897, is controversially her best novel. It is particularly interesting because it alternates the male world of the bush with the female realm of domesticity and romantic love. So far there have been few systematic studies on this novel, much less from a feminist interpretation, though it is seen today from the feminist perspective that the different experiences and fates of the two female characters in the novel is a true reflection of the life of the Australian women at the time. Phoebe's difficult process from silence to awakening then to maturation is worth attention and study, while Nancy's tragedy which results from the patriarchal domination sets us thinking. This paper aims to examine the life of the two heroines at opposite poles on the basis of feminist theories. It consists of five parts, with three chapters coming between the introduction and the conclusion.Chapter One, the introduction, provides the basic information about the author Mary Gaunt, and makes a review of the criticisms and research on this novel. Former studies have analyzed Kirkham's Find from its theme, use of symbolism, imagery and so on, but seen from the limited materials I can find, they are confined to such traditional examinations.Chapter Two makes a brief survey of the influence of Mary Gaunt's early experience, the influence of feminism in Australia and the related theories of feminism. The Marsden family life reflects that of the author's growth experience—what the author intends to do in the book is to help change women's subordinate status and pursue female independence in society through her writing. Chapter Three makes an analysis on Phoebe's relentless quest of self. It explores the oppression of the patriarchal domination in Marsden family, even in the whole the patriarchal society in 19th century. Phoebe reveals the awakening of the female consciousness and struggles for her dignity, for the economically independence and the true love. She has been fighting actively for the equal power and position with men. Though Phoebe's struggles and growth are in hardships, she achieves women's liberation and the harmony between genders ultimately. The image of Phoebe embodies great significance in the development of feminism. She owns independent thoughts and personality, and has got a place in society and in Ned Kirkham's heart through great efforts. She has achieved real equality with her lover, which is also the ideal object of feminism. Ned Kirkham's find, actually is not the reef of gold, but Phoebe.Chapter Four makes a study of Nancy's failure image, the foil of Phoebe. Nancy's submission to the patriarchal ideology shows us an image of an oppressed victim. She is not able to change her destiny, nor is she able to build a harmonious relationship between genders. What she tries to do is not to obtain a happy life through her own efforts, but simply enjoys the luxury life by marrying a rich man. She comes to a miserable end as might have been expected.The thesis ends with a conclusion drawn from the respective two women's different pursuit in life. The rise and fall in the two heroines' lives presents an illustration of different outcomes from different roads that women usually take. It is concluded that, in order to achieve personal integrity, women must fight for their independence, against male domination. But we can see that the final goal of women's fighting towards equality and harmony between genders is still a long-term and arduous task. |
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