文摘
英文文摘
Acknowledgements
ChapterOneA Brief Introduction to Iris Murdoch,The Bell and Criticism on the Novel
1.1 A brief introduction to Iris Murdoch
1.2 The Synopsis of The Bell
1.3 Criticism on The Bell
ChapterTwoExistential Elements in the Novel and its Central Theme
2.1 A general introduction to existentialism
2.2 An analytical reading of the novel from existential perspective
2.2.1Existence precedes essence-the founding of the community
2.2.2 The absurdity of life-the hero Michael's absurd life
2.2.3 Freedom-the heroine Dora's free choices and actions
2.3 The central theme of The Bell
2.3.1 Dora's anxiety for love and freedom
2.3.2 Nick's absurd existence
2.3.3 Catherine's emotional dilemma
2.4 A restatement of the central theme
ChapterThreeThe Central Formal Characteristics of The Bell and Their Embodiments of Existential and Central Themes
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Overall structure of The Bell and its embodiment of the themes
3.3 Imagery of The Bell and its embodiment of the themes
3.3.1 The centralimage
3.3.2 The image of the lake
3.3.3 The imagery of animals and plants
Chapter Four Conclusion
Bibliography
