Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction-1

1.1.1 Julian Barnes-1

1.1.2 Flaubert’s Parrot-1

1.2 Research Status-2

1.2.1 Overseas Research Status-2

1.2.2 Domestic Research Status-2

1.3 The Structure of the Paper-3

Chapter Two Analysis of Parrot Image-4

2.1 Metaphoric and Symbolic Meaning As a Means of Artistic Expression-4

2.2 As Criticism of A Plain Heart and Flaubert-5

2.2.1 The Relationship between Language and Reality-5

2.2.2 Criticism of Flaubert Creation-6

2.3 As The Thinking of Language and Truth-6

2.3.1 The Thinking of Language-6

2.3.2 The Thinking of Truth-7

Chapter Three Analysis of Other Images-8

3.1 The Bear-8

3.2 The Others-9

Chapter Four The Significance of Animal Imagery-10

4.1 Structural Significance-10

4.2 Symbolic Significance-10

Chapter Five Conclusion-12

References-13

Abstract

Flaubert’s Parrot was written by Julian Barnes who is a famous contemporary British writer. The main character of this novel named Jeffrey Brewster tells his experience of searching for French writer Flaubert’s parrot. This parrot was a specimen of parrot that Flaubert borrowed from Rouen Museum when he wrote his short stories A Plain Heart. However, Jeffrey saw that parrot specimen in Flaubert’s two former residences, and their managers all said that their parrot was that one Flaubert borrowed from Rouen Museum. Which one is the only parrot of Flaubert in his days? With this question, the narrator began his journey to find out the truth. In the novel, the author chooses "parrot" as the main line, which has the deep meaning of two aspects: one aspect is that the novel narrator Brewster expresses his art appreciation of A Plain Heart. The parrot represents the relationship between language and reality. Another aspect is that the author’s criticism of Flaubert creation, which is the deepening of the first level of significance. Besides, bears, dogs and so on are also included in animal imagery, which are repeatedly mentioned. They are closely associated with Flaubert, and form unique animal imagery groups and strengthen the theme of the novel.

My paper firstly introduces the author of Flaubert’s Parrot and his other works and the research status about it briefly. It also analyzes the animal imagery—parrot in Flaubert’s Parrot, studies the deep meanings of parrot and criticism and its means of artistic expression, and analyzes how the author thinks of the authenticity and language through the repeated applications of animal imagery by the methods of literature research. And then, it will show the other animal images in this novel. Finally, my paper expounds the significance of animal imagery.

Keywords: Flaubert’s Parrot  Animal Imagery  Means of Artistic Expression  Language and Reality