Abstract：William Makepeace Thackeray is a representative writer of English critical realism in the 19th century. He occupies a very significant position in the history of English literature. Vanity Fair was his most celebrated work. In 1847, the first installment of Vanity Fair was published by Fraser’s Magazine. This book, completed in the year 1848, was a panoramic portrait of English society, satirizing the heartlessness and snobbery of English upper-middle classes.

The novel mainly describes the ruthlessness and darkness of British aristocracy based on the description of Becky Sharp’s whole life. Becky Sharp takes full advantage of her beauty and intelligence to get a higher position because she can’t tolerate the discrimination in the society. She bravely challenges the patriarchal family and society although she meets a lot of dilemma and frustrations during the process. Based on the theory of feminism, this paper mainly focuses on Sharp’s revolt against the patriarchal society and the difficulties she has met. It is hoped that this paper can provide a new perspective for the interpretation of this classic novel.

Key words:  feminism  Vanity Fair  Becky Sharp  patriarchy

中文摘要：威廉·梅克比斯·萨克雷是19世纪英国批判现实主义的代表人物，在英国文学史上占据了重要地位。《名利场》是他最著名的一部作品。1847年，《名利场》第一部分在《弗雷泽杂志》上出版。1848年，这本书最终完成，它是英国社会的缩影，批判了英国中上层阶级的无情与势利。

这部小说通过对贝基·夏普一生的描写，反映了英国贵族社会的无情与黑暗。贝基·夏普因为无法忍受社会上的歧视，所以利用自己的美貌与智慧去争取更高的社会地位。她勇敢地挑战父权制，尽管在这个过程中遇到了很多的困难和挫折。本文以女性主义理论为基础，旨在探讨贝基·夏普对父权制的反抗以及在此过程中遇到的困难。希望本课题能为解读这部名著提供新的视角。

关键词: 女性主义；《名利场》；贝基·夏普；父权制

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction to William Makepeace Thackeray-1

1.2 Introduction to Vanity Fair-1

1.3 Research Status of Vanity Fair-2

1.4 Structure of the Thesis-2

Chapter Two Feminism-4

2.1 Definition of Feminism-4

2.2 The Development of Feminism-4

2.3 Simone de Beauvoir’s Feminist Theory-5

Chapter Three Becky’s Revolt Against the Patriarchy-6

3.1 Revolt Against the Patriarchal Family-6

3.2 Revolt Against the Patriarchal Society-8

Chapter Four Becky’s Dilemma-9

4.1 Economic Difficulties-9

4.2 Psychological Frustrations-10

Chapter Five Conclusion-11

References-12