Abstract:John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath is regarded as an eternal classic of American literature in the 20th century. This paper aims to study Eco-feminism in the novel through the analysis of the relationship between nature and women, and of the image of the Earth Mother: Ma-Joad and Rose of Sharon. It concludes that human beings should establish a harmonious society, in which men and women get along with each other on the basis of mutual respect and human beings live in peace with nature. Nature and women are closely related, and so do their respective developments. Ma-Joad and Rose of Sharon subvert the traditional female image by presenting charming personalities in the novel: warmth, philanthropy, selflessness and tolerance.  

Key words: The Grapes of Wrath; Eco-feminism; nature; women

CONTENTS

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction1

1.1 Introduction to the Author 

  1.2 Introduction to Eco-feminism

2.Embodiment of Eco-feminism in the Novel2

  2.1 Relationship between Nature and Women

2.1.1 Similarity between Nature and Women

  2.1.2 Women with More Care for Nature and Lives

  2.2 Two Female Characters as Earth Mother in the Novel

2.2.1 Ma-Joad

2.2.2 Rose of Sharon

3. Conclusion....9

Bibliography.11

Acknowledgements..12