ABSTRACT

Virginia Woolf is one of the most brilliant writers in English literature who is not only famous for her stream-of-consciousness novels, but also well known for her wonderful essay writing. The two series of The Common Reader symbolize her most important achievement in critical essays which includes more than thirty personage introductions of most prominent writers and their works. This thesis aims to explore the appraisal resources of the personage introductions in The Common Reader from the perspective of Appraisal System because the Appraisal System, a further development of Systemic Functional Linguistics, is a useful tool to explore the interpersonal meanings in the discourse. Since the Appraisal System consists of three sub-systems: Attitude, Engagement and Graduation, the appraisal resources of Montaigne, George Eliot and Jane Austin will be explained from the element of Attitude which includes three sub-systems: Affect, Judgment and Appreciation in this thesis. Through the analysis, it can be concluded that Virginia Woolf admired Montaigne’s literary achievements and dedication to the society, impressed by George Eliot's serious, sullen and tender character, and appreciated the unique character of Jane Austen. 

Key words：The Common Reader; appraisal system; interpersonal meanings

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter  One  INTRODUCTION-1

1.1 Research Background-1

1.2 Significance and Purpose of the Thesis-2

1.3 Thesis Organization-2

Chapter  Two  LITERATURE    REVIEW-3

2.1 Description of Appraisal System-3

2.2 Previous Study on Appraisal Theory-3

2.3 Previous Study on Woolf’s critical essays-4

Chapter  Three  THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK AND METHODOLOGY-5

3.1 Overview of Appraisal Theory-5

3.2 Attitude-5

3.3 Methodology-8

Chapter Four ANALYSIS OF THE COMMON READER FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF ATTITUDE SYSTEM-9

4.1 Affect-9

4.2 Judgment-11

4.3 Appreciation-13

Chapter  Five  CONCLUSION-15

5.1 Major Findings-15

5.2 Limitations-15

REFERENCES-17