Abstract: The Thorn Birds is the representative work of Australian writer Colleen McCullough. The paper mainly focuses on the research of the heroine Meggie in the novel. Through the analysis of her different images: little girl, lover and mother, it reveals Meggie’s strong will and self-respect when she confronts hardships, her bravery and rebelliousness when she pursues love, and her maternal love when she raises her children. It concludes that Meggie has persevering will and beautiful soul under her soft appearance, which shows readers a great woman of strengthening self-consciousness and independence.

Key words: The Thorn Birds; Meggie; image of character

CONTENTS

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction6

1.1 Introduction to Colleen McCullough

1.2 Introduction to The Thorn Birds

2. Images of Meggie.7

2.1 Little Girl：Strong Will and Self-respect.7

   2.1.1 Her Family Life

   2.1.2 Her School Life

2.2 Lover：Bravery and Rebelliousness.9

   2.2.1 Love between Meggie and Ralph

   2.2.2 Marriage between Meggie and Luke

2.3 Mother：Tenderness and Full of Maternal Love.11

   2.3.1 Her Attitude to Dane

   2.3.2 Her Attitude to Justine

3. Conclusion13

Bibliography.14

Acknowledgements15