Abstract: Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse arouses a lot of concern and discussion at home and abroad among scholars who do researches on feminism since it was published. It is also widely believed that To the Lighthouse has made great contribution to the development of feminist literature and the improvement of female’s social status. Under the guidance of the theoretical framework of feminist theory, this paper tries to explore Woolf’s feminist ideas through analyzing some major characters. According to this thesis, Woolf seeks to emphasize that women are supposed to get rid of the fetter from the traditional gender prejudice and pay more attention to the realization of feminine value and feminine self-development. She also appeals to women to realize the significance of the awakening of feminist consciousness. Woolf defines androgyny as well as the harmonious relationship between males and females as the most ideal gender relation and the ultimate aim of the feminism.

Key words: Virginia Woolf; To the Lighthouse; feminism; androgyny

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

1.1 Introduction to Virginia Woolf

1.2 Introduction to To the Lighthouse

2. Literature Review and Theoretical Framework..2

2.1 Literature Review about Woolf and To the Lighthouse  

2.2 Literary Framework: Feminism

2.2.1 Origin and Background

2.2.2 Representative Writers and Works

2.2.3 Main Ideas 

2.2.3.1 Feminine Value   

2.2.3.2 Feminine Self-development

2.2.3.2 Androgyny

3. Features of Literary Feminism Shown in To the Lighthouse5

3.1 Mrs. Ramsay: An Ideal and Struggling Woman in Victorian Age

3.2 Lily Briscoe: Woman Artist Pursuing Independence and Self-fulfillment

3.3 Woolf’s Androgynous Vision in To the Lighthouse

4.Conclusion.9

Bibliography.11

Acknowledgments12