| 摘要: | 本論文分析了納約米·穆納維拉（Nayomi Munaweera）的小說《千鏡之島》（Island of a Thousand Mirrors，2012），重點探討小說如何透過多位來自不同族群、社會與教育背景的女性主角來呈現女性形象。論文認為，小說運用多元女性視角是一種刻意的文學策略，挑戰了英語文學中對非西方女性的簡化刻板印象。研究指出，教育、流離失所與斯里蘭卡內戰如何以相互關聯的方式塑造女性的身份與角色。小說透過對衝突的文學化描寫，傳達僅憑歷史或政治敘事難以表達的情感複雜性與倫理困境。總而言之，本論文強調女性在敘述斯里蘭卡民族創傷及後殖民經驗中的核心作用。;This thesis examines Island of a Thousand Mirrors by focusing on the perspectives of its female characters and their lived experiences within Sri Lankan society. The study adopts a character-centered approach to analyze the formation of female identity in a context shaped by colonial influence and civil conflict. It argues that access to education was one of the most significant opportunities available to women during the British colonial period. Education enabled women to develop self-awareness, question traditional gender roles, and gain a sense of independence. The novel presents many female characters as educated and socially respected, reflecting the importance of education in shaping their identities and social positions. Characters such as Beatrice and Saraswathi highlight teaching as a key profession for women and demonstrate how education created new aspirations and social mobility. At the same time, the study acknowledges that colonial education did not fully dismantle patriarchal structures, and women’s progress remained limited by social expectations. Beyond individual character analysis, the novel encourages readers to recognize the shared resilience of Sinhala and Tamil women across different regions of Sri Lanka. The experiences of war, displacement, loss, and violence affect women from both communities in similar ways. Through its portrayal of women’s responses to conflict, the narrative promotes empathy, understanding, and inclusivity. The novel places women at the center of national history during the Sri Lankan civil war. Women’s identities are shown to be shaped by survival, responsibility, and moral strength. Despite enduring social and political challenges, female characters maintain autonomy and wisdom in their choices. Overall, this thesis argues that Island of a Thousand Mirrors presents female identity as a dynamic process shaped by education, resilience, and lived experience within a post-colonial and conflict-affected society. |
