The Application Of Tenor Of Discourse To The Analysis Of Literary Texts

Tenor of discourse is an important research field in Systemic Functional Linguistics. Up to present, the study on tenor of discourse at home and abroad mainly focuses on theoretical research, paying more attention to the scope of tenor and the establishment of tenor theory. Meanwhile, it takes emphasis on the relationship between the elements of tenor and the selection of language. Many scholars, including anthropologists, sociologists, psychologists, philosophers and linguists have been trying to reveal the internal principles and structural characteristics of discourse, thus making it an all-inclusive field. Compared with the vast volume of studies concerning the theorization of tenor of discourse, the analysis of tenor in specific context has been rare, and this should arouse researchers' attention. With a view to the situation, this thesis intends to give a detailed analysis of the function of tenor of discourse in particular situations with Systemic Functional Grammar as the guiding principle and Martin's view on tenor as the working instrument. Being faced with the gigantic body of data, the author of the thesis selects a classic novel, Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, as the target of analysis, which is famous in U.S.A. and all over the world. Thanks to the readability of the analyzing process, the thesis analyzes the novel step by step and through the analysis of the text, the author expects to make it clear how tenor of discourse affects the characters'selection of language through empirical analysis and how it determines their behavior. Besides, this kind of interpretation of literary texts might also provide a new perspective for literary study.This thesis is composed of four chapters:Chapter One introduces some basic knowledge of tenor of discourse, its definition, categories and relevant studies. It also elaborates on the aim and method of the thesis.Chapter Two covers the theoretical and methodological preliminary, putting forward viewpoints on tenor theory held by Martin. Zhang Delu and Halliday, especially views with reference to the scope and function of tenor of discourse.Chapter Three presents a concrete application of tenor of discourse in The Great Gatsby, with aspects like status, contact and affect fully explored, deepening readers' understanding of the characterization and the development of plot.Chapter Four is the conclusion. Through the application as well as analysis of tenor of discourse in The Great Gatsby, the author hopes to make it clear how literary texts can be interpreted from a linguistic point of view. In this way, it could provide a new mechanism of literary effect, making it possible to expand and boost the channel for appreciation of literary works.