On The "Madwoman" In Alice Munro’s Fictions

Alice Munro (1931-) is a master in the short story world and a prolific author who wins several literary awards with her unique works. Various female images are mentioned in her fictions, among which "madwoman" is unique, thus the thesis focuses on this image.The brand-new images of "madwoman" in Munro’s fictions are totally different from the previous similar images, showing the considerable research value. They are not born of madness but created through gossips; they can not only speak for themselves, but also use language as a strategy; they even leave the dilemma by converting identity. Through their self-speech and observing, they awaken and further develop self-consciousness in the stories, actively respond to situations and try to seek their own way out.This thesis mainly selects Munro’s six stories, compared with other writers’ classic texts, trying to make an in-depth analysis of the author’s re-creation about the image on the basis of reviewing traditional "madwoman" images. Munro hides doubts for the truth of their madness, which inspires discovery desire of readers. She also portrays "madwoman" as the calm and rational manipulator of language, as well as the observer to control their own destiny. In addition, thesis finds out the archetype of "madwoman" and the significance, pointing out their similarity with Lilith, and their choice to face the fate with men suggests a new attempt and possibility.The research of the thesis shows that from the contemporary female perspective, the relationship mode between men and women in Munro’s writing is more inclusive. The pursuit of equality and freedom also brings attention to cooperation, which is more in line with current demand of social development and women’s existence, in hence it is of great significance.