Fighting For Women’s Equality-Ethel Voynich’s Views On Women As Reflected In The Gadfly

The Gadfly is a well-known novel written by British female writer Ethel Lillian Voynich. Though neglected in the West, it has received enormous popularity in China. Former analyses on The Gadfly usually concentrate on discussing the hero and its canonization and decanonization in China from the perspective of translation. However, the three female characters, i.e., Gemma Warren, Zita Reni and Gladys Burton who are closely related to the hero are of the same significance in this novel. For a relatively better and more comprehensive understanding of The Gadfly, this thesis explores the three female characters and Voynich’s view on women from the perspective of feminist literary criticism and androgyny.It reaches a conclusion that Voynich, under the influence of her own rebellious experience, is a female writer with feminine consciousness who holds appreciative and supportive attitudes towards women with the spirit of resistance. Her encouragement to women with the spirit of resistance and her strong appeal for gender equality affect the characterization of Gemma, Zita and Gladys who dare to challenge the patriarchal ideology and pursue equal status as men in their own ways. Besides, the three female characters have also exerted a great influence on the growth and personality of the hero. It aims to fill the field which has seldom been touched to a certain extent and to help readers have a better comprehension on this novel.This thesis consists of five parts. The first part is the literature review about former studies on The Gadfly. The second part offers the theoretical background including a general introduction to feminist literary criticism and androgyny. In the third part, the heroine Gemma Warren who possesses both masculine and feminine traits is fully discussed from the perspective of androgyny. And the similarities between Gemma and Voynich are revealed as well. The fourth part is a discussion on the Gadfly’s mistress Zita and his mother Gladys. The fifth part mainly explores Voynich’s attitudes towards females based on the former analyses and the roots of her attitudes.