浅析《壁花少年》中的象征主义_英语论文

An Analysis Of Symbolism In The Perks Of Being A Wallflower

摘要

斯蒂芬•奇博斯基的小说处女作《壁花少年》深受读者喜爱，畅销不衰，许多学者对其也有研究但是还未有研究探究此小说中的象征主义。象征主义往往能赋予浅显易懂的文字以深刻的内涵，此小说的语言简明易懂，作者通过象征手法的运用，传达出隐藏在文字背后的丰富的象征意义。本文以此为创新点，以象征主义为指导，将小说中的象征符号进行了归类，分别阐释了人物、意象及事件在小说中的象征意义，并论述了象征主义是如何为突显小说主题和刻画人物性格特征、人物成长历程及命运服务的。论文第一章叙述了小说中几位主人公的象征意义，不仅展示了人物形象的鲜明特征，而且表达了小说的一个重要主题——朋友的引导、支持对主人公查理摆脱童年阴影起到了至关重要的作用。第二章叙述了小说中主要意象的象征意义，分析了环境在渲染气氛、传递思想方面起到的作用，也具体分析了小说中关于礼物的意象，这些意象表现出朋友对查理的鼓励也表现出他们在引导查理追求自由和真我上做出的努力。第三章则叙述了小说中主要事件的象征意义，发现海伦小姨之死是致使查理“壁花”性格的主要原因，分析了家中事件对查理的生活启示，也阐述了老师比尔的引导对于查理的帮助。总而言之，本文通过分析小说中的象征主义，具体论述了小说中体现的友情、亲情和爱情帮助“壁花少年”成长这一主线。

关键词：《壁花少年》；象征主义；人物；意象；事件

Abstract

The first novel of Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, is quite popular among readers. Many scholars have done some researches about it but there is no research exploring the symbolism in the novel. Symbolism always presents profound meanings through words which are clear and easy to understand. The language in this novel is plain, but the author, through the applications of symbolism, conveys abundant symbolic meanings hidden behind the words. Thus, wanting to innovate, this thesis, based on the theory of symbolism, explains diverse symbols, presenting the symbolic meanings of characters, imageries and events in the novel respectively, discussing how symbolism performs to emphasize the theme of this novel and show the characteristics, the growing path and the fate of figures. Chapter 1 in this essay illustrates the symbolic meanings of some main characters in the novel, which not only presents the distinct characteristics of the figures, but also expresses one of the themes in the novel-the critical function of friends’ guidance and support in helping the protagonist Charlie to get rid of childhood darkness. Chapter 2 explores the symbolic meanings of several imageries in the novel. This chapter analyzes the affects of settings on creating the atmosphere and expressing thoughts. And this chapter also analyzes the imageries about presents, which shows the encouragements from Charlie’s friends and shows their efforts on leading Charlie to pursue freedom and the real ego. And chapter 3 discusses the symbolic meanings of main events in the novel, finding that the Aunt Helen’s death is the main cause of Charlie being a “Wallflower”, analyzing the inspirations Charlie gets from the experiences in his family, illustrating the help Charlie gains from teacher Bill’s request. In a word, this essay, through the analysis of the symbolism in the novel, discusses the principal line that friends, families and lovers help the “Wallflower” to grow to maturity.

Key words: The Perks of Being a Wallflower; symbolism; character; imageries; events

Contents

Acknowledgments i

摘要 ii

Abstract iii

Contents iv

Introduction 1

Chapter One Symbolic Characters in the Novel 3

1.1 Sam and Patrick 3

1.2 Charlie and the Stranger “Dear friend” 5

Chapter Two  Symbolic Imageries in the Novel 7

2.1 Symbolic Meanings of Settings 8

2.2 Symbolic Meanings of Presents 10

Chapter Three  Symbolic Events in the Novel 11

3.1 Symbolic Meanings of the Aunt’s Death 12

3.2 Symbolic Meanings in the Sister’s Love Affair 13

3.3 Symbolic Meanings Behind the Essay Writing Request 14

Conclusion 15

Bibliography 16