On The Image Of Sarah Woodruff In The French Lieutenant's Woman

John Fowles(1926.3-2005.11)is one of the most famous novelists in the literary circles. His masterpiece is"The French Lieutenant's Woman"which is issued in 1969. The novel receives world wide reputation from the whole literary world especially"the W.H. Smith Award"in 1970. The fiction also receives critics from different field due to its innovative theme and its experimental narrative techniques, especially the description of the heroine Sarah, who totally subverts the image of traditional Victorian woman. It is really a masterpiece of women's awakening and development.This thesis is divided into five sections. Introduction briefly introduces John Fowles and his literary accomplishment, the author's important position in the whole literary world, and generally discusses the critics on the novel both home and abroad.Chapter one mainly discusses Sarah's distinctive appearance and demeanor through her dress, discourse and thoughts, and also her constants fighting with the Victorian social supremacy, which totally shows she is a rebel in her time. Chapter two indicates that Sarah is a pursuer of true love. She is brave enough to take proactive actions to attract the person she loves, and also makes a significant influence on his thoughts. Chapter three shows us Sarah is a selfhood seeker. She is a new woman, who realizes the importance of financial and spiritual independence. She constantly pursuits for her freedom, nothing can alter her merit even marriage.In conclusion, Sarah is a rebel in era that she lives in. She is a typical representative who is pursuing self-liberation in early age. A New Woman who lives in the 1800's but has Twenty Century's ideology and moral sentiment. The inspiration is drawn from the scarlet woman: no matter what kinds of society you are living, the everlasting search of true values in life is the roots of happiness, remaining your individuality and you can find the standpoint in the life.