Abstract: Vanity Fair is the masterpiece of William Makepeace Thackeray. The story was originated from the rank and fashion in 19th century. By describing different experiences of the heroines--Becky Sharp who come from a poor family and Amelia who come from a rich family, Thackeray successfully portrays two different typical British female images in the 19th century. This thesis will compare the different experiences and character of the two heroines, Becky Sharp who was born in poor family but tries her best to control her own destiny, and submissive and passive Amelia who was born in wealthy family. And the thesis will come to the conclusion that Becky Sharp and Amelia are representatives of the typical female images in the 19th century: Becky Sharp represents the clever and capable “adventuress”; Amelia represents the submissive and dependent “angle in the house”.

Key words: Vanity Fair, Becky Sharp, Amelia, Female Images

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction...1

1.1 Thackeray and Vanity Fair

1.2 Literature review on Vanity Fair

2. An analysis of the background and character of Becky Sharp and Amelia.7

2.1 Becky Sharp—the typical Victorian “Adventuress”

2.1.1 The analysis of the background of Becky Sharp

2.1.2 The analysis of the character of Becky Sharp

2.2 Amelia—the typical Victorian “angel in the house”

2.2.1 The analysis of the background of Amelia

2.2.2 The analysis of the character of Amelia

3. Conclusion12

Bibliography.13

Acknowledgements..14