The New Woman in Critical Realism: Study on the Female Image of Becky in Vanity Fair

Abstract

Vanity Fair is the outstanding masterpiece of British critical realist writer William Makepeace Thackeray. In Vanity Fair, Thackeray interprets the status and image of women in a patriarchal and money-centered world, attacking a decadent and hypocritical society, and at the same time creating a new woman, Becky Sharp, who is different from the traditional Victorian image of women. Although Becky comes from a humble background, she does not resign herself to her humble origins and tries to join the upper class, challenging the secular tradition and patriarchal system, and finally leading an ideal life and realizing her self-worth. As a typical representative of the new women in the period of critical realism, Becky's independent, strong, aggressive and rebellious spirit is considered to be the embodiment of the awakening of women's consciousness in the period of critical realism. This thesis will interpret the image of Becky in Thackeray's Vanity Fair from a feminist perspective based on Beauvoir's feminist critical theory. Becky strives to pursue the life she wants and bravely rebels against the authority of the traditional patriarchal society, reflecting her independent, brave and self-worthy feminine spirit. In general, Becky is a warrior against money and patriarchy, and is a typical representative of the new woman who pursues independence in the period of critical realism.