语言学Language Dissertation案例：Wide Sargasso Sea

小结

本论文探讨了具有挑战性的身份概念，重点关注安托瓦内特在 1966 年的后殖民小说《Wide Sargasso Sea》中的主角。这项研究属于后殖民主义、哲学、心理学和底层研究领域，将对安托瓦内特角色的身份建构/解构过程提出不同寻常的解释。

Antoinette's construction of the Self in Wide Sargasso Sea

(Title)

Abstract

The present dissertation investigates the challenging concept of identity, focusing on the main character of Antoinette in the 1966 - postcolonial novel Wide Sargasso Sea. Falling within the field of post - colonialism, philosophy, psychology and subaltern studies, this piece of research will propose an unusual interpretation of the process of identity construction/ deconstruction in Antoinette’s character.

Instead of supporting the negative interpretations of Antoinette’s appropriation of the Self, such as those offered primarily by Vazquez and Voicu, the review of the key literature aims to demonstrate Antoinette’s successful identity construction of the Self through Coartney’s theorisation of the looking-glass, Panizza’s conciliatory reading of binary couples, Koparanoglu’s interpretation of Thornfield Hall’s fire as an act of identity redemption, Gangl’s perception of Rochester as a victim and Maurel’s triumphant reception of Antoinette as the subjective voice of narration.

This piece of research demonstrates that Rhys’ attempt of ‘rewriting Bertha a life’1 is not unsuccessful in light of Sarup’s and Hegel’s formulations of Otherness. Bertha’s character is conceived as necessary to Antoinette’s redemption. Both James’ philosophical approach to identity and Sarup’s categorisation of public/ private identity explain how Antoinette manages to become the subjective voice of narration. In addition, the refusal of Antoinette’s image in the third part of Wide Sargasso Sea is interpreted in light of the Hegelian Master/Slave dialectic.

Furthermore, this dissertation analyses the looking- glass and the current theme of dreams and letters spread throughout the narration as literary devices used by Rhys to redeem Antoinette’s identity. It also provides proof of Antoinette’s appropriation of the Self through the linguistic analysis of subjectivity in letters found in Wide Sargasso Sea.

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1.JK Essay-Dissertation Sample-Antoinette's construction of the Self in Wide Sargasso Sea.pdf