Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction to Doris Lessing-1

1.2 Introduction to The Golden Notebook-1

1.3 Literature Review-2

Chapter Two Symbolism-4

2.1 Definition-4

2.2 The Origin and Development of Symbolism-4

2.3 Function of Symbolism-5

Chapter Three Symbolism in the Novel-6

3.1 Names-6

3.1.1 Freeman— Symbol of Seeking Freedom-6

3.1.2 Wulf— Symbol of Feminism-6

3.2 Colors-7

3.2.1 Black-7

3.2.2 Red-7

3.2.3 Yellow-8

3.2.4 Blue-8

3.2.5 Golden-8

3.3 Dreams-9

Chapter Four Conclusion-11

References-12

Abstract

Doris Lessing is a famous British writer. She won the Nobel Prize for literature and numerous world-class literary awards. The Golden Notebook is considered as her masterpiece, and it has established the status of the author in Western Literature. This work is made up of a story and five notes. The black, red, yellow, blue, golden colored notes are interspersed in the story in order to describe the society in the mid-twentieth century. Many scholars have conducted detailed researches on The Golden Notebook from many aspects. This thesis will analyze it from the aspect of symbolism, exploring how the author uses the writing style to reveal the theme of the novel.

The thesis is made up of four chapters. Chapter one introduces Doris Lessing, the plot of The Golden Notebook and previous studies on the work. Chapter two gives a detailed illustration of symbolism. Chapter three is the backbone of this paper, analyzing the novel mainly from the symbolic elements of the novel, including the characters’ names, the colors and the dreams. Chapter Four is the conclusion, summarizing the main points of the whole thesis.

Key words:  Doris Lessing  The Golden Notebook  symbolism