An Interpretation Of The Female Tragedy In Runaway Perspective:Feminism

Alice Munro, a prominent Canadian female writer, is the winner of the Nobel Prize in 2013 who has the profound and unique contemplation on the situation of females. The thesis has used her work Runaway as researching text and endeavored to interpret the female hidden tragedy from the perspective of feminism and based on its three ideas patriarchy, androgyny and feminist consciousness. Through the analysis of the female tragedy in this work, it wishes that a deep study of the feminist connotative meaning which is coded in Munro and her work could be achieved.Firstly, the thesis has briefly introduced the author Alice Munro and her representative collection Runaway, summarized the research of the work at home and abroad, and given an explanation of feminist criticism theory and three striking issues involved in feminism. Secondly, from the perspective of feminism, the thesis has made a further analysis on the unveiled tragic fate of the heroines in Runaway from three aspects including existence, love and marriage as well as the way of rebellion. Within the constraints and oppression of patriarchy society and neglectful family, heroines in Runaway are fettered by external environment. Lack of androgynous thought and shackled by the traditional and conservative feminity, the heroines have no ability and bravery to pursue love on her own initiative. Because of submissive status, the heroines are also incapable of forming a harmonious and equal relationship with men and have to endure the pressure of depressive marriage. Their feminist consciousness is in infancy so that they are eager to gain freedom, equality and independence, while they are inclined to escape from current situation, but not positively face all the difficulties. Nevertheless, the consequence is captured by unforgettable past and hopeless future on account of immature feminist consciousness. At last, through the interpretation of the female tragedy covered in Runaway, the thesis arrives in an exploration of Munro's feminist thought reflected in this collection. From the interpretation of the work and the exploration of the author, it can be concluded that to avoid the tragedy and fulfill their salvation, females should actively construct androgynous thought to cooperate and interdepend with men, but not passively wait for the acceptance of patriarchy, gain the economical independence, in the meantime, overcome obstacles of thoughts, constantly make self-improvement and bravely pursue the independence of spirit, character, and even soul.