Abstract: Margaret Drabble is an eminent British female writer in the middle of 20th century. She keeps a unique and acute eye on contemporary women’s life and uses realistic ways to present their life. Jerusalem the Golden is Drabble’s fourth novel which is set in London in the 1960s. By describing the growth of the protagonist Clara, the novel is aimed at probing into women’s survival value, exploring ways of women development, and reflecting courage and perseverance of British intellectual women who challenge conventions and seek spiritual breakout actively. This thesis focuses on the awakening of the protagonist’s  female consciousness. Through the elaboration of how Clara’s female consciousness awakens from germination to development and then to maturity, and through the analysis of social and personal factors that contribute to the development of her female consciousness, the thesis shows how contemporary intellectual women with female consciousness challenge their fate, seek selfhood, and achieve self-realization step by step.

Key words: Jerusalem the Golden; Clara; female consciousness

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

1.1 Introduction to Margaret Drabble and Jerusalem the Golden

1.2 Literature Review

2. The Awakening of Clara’s Female Consciousness.3

2.1 Germination of Clara’s Female Consciousness

2.1.1 Aversion to Rigid Family Life

2.1.2 Rebellion against Traditional Concepts

2.2 Development of Clara’s Female Consciousness

2.2.1 Discovery of Self-worth

2.2.2 Pursuit of Ideal State of Survival 

2.3 Maturity of Clara’s Female Consciousness

2.3.1 Disillusionment of Ideal Spiritual Homeland

2.3.2 Determination of Realizing Her Self-worth

2.4 Causes of Clara’s Awakening of Female Consciousness

2.4.1 Social Factors 

2.4.2 Personal Factors

3. Conclusion ..10

Bibliography.11

Acknowledgements..12