An Analysis of Chinese Traditional Culture in The Bonesetter’s Daughter from the Perspective of Symbolism_英语论文

摘要

谭恩美是一位美籍华人作家，她的作品多以描绘中国母亲和美国女儿的关系为主，且大多都带有浓厚的中国传统文化背景，在世界各地享有很高的声誉。作为其最具自传性质的小说，《接骨师之女》自出版以来就备受瞩目，具有巨大的社会价值和研究意义。本文从象征主义理论出发，从小说中最典型的三个中国传统文化意象：龙骨，鬼魂和书法入手，分析其对小说情节推动以及主题升华的作用。

关键词：谭恩美  《接骨师之女》  象征主义理论  

Abstract

Amy Tan, a Chinese-American writer whose works mainly depicts the relationships between Chinese mothers and American daughters, enjoys a high reputation all over the world. Tan’s most autobiographical novel, The Bonesetter’s Daughter, had attracted much attention because of its immense social value and research significance. Based on the theory of Symbolism, this thesis deals with three images of Chinese traditional culture: the dragon bones, the ghost and the calligraphy. Also the thesis analyzes how the three images promote the plot and sublime the theme.

Key words: Amy Tan  The Bonesetter’s Daughter  Symbolism  

Contents

Chapter One  Introduction 1

1.1  A Brief Introduction to Amy Tan 1

1.2  A Brief Introduction to The Bonesetter’s Daughter 2

1.3  Structure of the thesis 4

Chapter Two  Literature Review 5

2.1  Previous Studies on The Bonesetter’s Daughter Abroad 5

2.2  Previous Studies on The Bonesetter’s Daughter at Home 7

Chapter Three  Theoretical Framework 10

3.1  Definition of Symbolism 10

3.2  Development of Symbolism 11

Chapter Four  Analysis of the Chinese Traditional Cultural Images 13

4.1  The Dragon Bones 13

4.2  The Ghost 15

4.3  The Calligraphy 17

Chapter Five  Conclusion 19

5.1  Major Findings 19

5.2  Limitation and Suggestions for Future Study 19

Bibliography

Acknowledgments