《推销员之死》中的悲剧话语分析_英语论文

Discourse Analysis Of Tragedy In Death Of A Salesman 

摘要

本文以《推销员之死》为研究文本，利用话语理论来分析主人公Willy Loman的悲剧结局。首先对阿瑟·米勒的经历和文学成就做了总结，并对《推销员之死》的悲剧故事以及此作品取得的成就和历史背景进行了简要概述。然后尝试利用Norman Fairclough 的“三维”话语分析概念，从文本， 话语实践及社会实践方面分析《推销员之死》的悲剧结局。Willy Loman作为一个悲剧英雄，他的悲剧是在周围环境的作用下产生的，他的悲剧是必然的。在充斥着美国梦和消费主义的时代，周围环境的话语刺激使得Willy Loman迷失了自己，甚至在死亡的最后一刻还抱着成功的梦想。他的这种想法也在作用着他周围的人，他的妻子，儿子，都受到他的话语影响。

对于我们而言，只有清楚地了解话语在交流中和社会中的运行机制，才能更好地理解悲剧产生的原因，也可以帮助我们学会如何在“强权”和“他者”的话语中更好地适应它。 

关键词：《推销员之死》；费尔克劳夫；话语分析；美国梦 

Abstract

This paper selects Death of a Salesman and utilizes discourse analysis as a tool to analyze Willy Loman’s tragedy. Firstly, it lists Miller 's experiences and achievements and briefly describes the plot, good reputation and social background of Death of a Salesman. Then, applying Norman Fairclough’s Three-Dimensional conception of discourse, the paper analyses the tragic ending from three aspects-----text, discourse practice and social practice. Willy Loman is a tragic hero and his death is caused by uncertain American Dream and Consumerism. He has lost himself because of effects of discourse and even died for struggling for his dream of being rich. At the same time, his opinions influenced his family's. Therefore, the unpractical ideal ruins him and his family. 

For us, We should learn how discourse affects one's life and better understand Willy Loman's tragedy. Finally, we can adapt ourselves to the society which is full of discourse of "power" and "otherness".

Key Words: Death of a Salesman; Fairclough; discourse analysis; American Dream 

Contents

Acknowledgments.i 

Abstract (Chinese)ⅱ

Abstract (English).iii Introduction1

Chapter One Arthur Miller and Death of a Salesman3

1.1 Arthur Miller and His Achievements.3

1.2 The Tragic Story of Death of a Salesman .4 

Chapter Two Literature Review.4

2.1 Previous Studies at Home and Aboard about Death of a Salesman.4

2.2 Previous Studies on the Origin and Development of American Dream.5

Chapter Three Discourse Analysis.6

3.1 Discourse Theories and Its Influence.6

3.2 Fairclough’s Three-Dimensional Conception of Discourse.7 

Chapter Four Embodiments of Three-Dimensional Conception of Discourse in Death of a Salesman.9

4.1 Text Analysis: the Destined Fate9

4.2 Discourse Practice: the Gradually Unvalued Image of Willy Loman10

4.3 Discourse as Social Practice: the Evanescence of Willy Loman’s Ideal11

4.3.1 Social Reality: the Loss of American Dream11

4.3.2 Cultural Background: the Era of Consumerism12

Conclusion.14

Bibliography.15