| Acknowledgements | 第5-6页 |
| 摘要 | 第6-7页 |
| Abstract | 第7页 |
| Introduction | 第9-17页 |
| 1. Literature review of Ernest J. Gaines and his works | 第9-13页 |
| 2. The argumentation of the dissertation | 第13-17页 |
| Chapter 1 The Construction of the Heroine's Gender Identity | 第17-36页 |
| 1.1. The importance of black males in the heroine's construction of gender identity | 第17-20页 |
| 1.2. The construction of the heroine's gender identity by interacting with black males | 第20-36页 |
| 1.2.1. Jane's being influenced by Ned and being his mother | 第22-26页 |
| 1.2.2. Jane's being respected by Joe and being his wife | 第26-31页 |
| 1.2.3. Jane's being encouraged by Jimmy and being a female leader | 第31-36页 |
| Chapter 2 The Construction of the Heroine's Identity of Community | 第36-55页 |
| 2.1. The former communities constructing Jane's identity | 第37-42页 |
| 2.1.1. The community centered on Unc Isom | 第37-39页 |
| 2.1.2. The community centered on Big Laura | 第39-42页 |
| 2.2. The latter communities constructing Jane's identity | 第42-55页 |
| 2.2.1. The community within the land of Mr. Bone | 第43-46页 |
| 2.2.2. The community within the land of Clyde | 第46-49页 |
| 2.2.3. The community within the land of Samson family | 第49-55页 |
| Chapter 3 The Construction of the Heroine's Cultural Identity | 第55-72页 |
| 3.1. Nature as a cultural force to construct the heroine's cultural identity | 第56-59页 |
| 3.2. Jane's relationship with nature and her construction of cultural identity | 第59-67页 |
| 3.2.1. Being healed by nature and being strong | 第60-62页 |
| 3.2.2. Understanding toward nature and being humanistic | 第62-65页 |
| 3.2.3. Communication with nature and being brave | 第65-67页 |
| 3.3. The construction of cultural identity and the inheritance of cultural tradition | 第67-72页 |
| Conclusion | 第72-75页 |
| Reference | 第75-79页 |
