Specific Imagery, Abstruse Meanings

Although the term image is one of the more common parts in literary works, whose function is manifested in its symbolic connotation and denotation, its quality of quick change and instability is the reason why it is so fascinating. In Beloved, Toni Morrison adopts the most common substance-water, to express the deep-going and profound social themes. The image of water in the novel has many different meanings, which can be generally classified into two parts: one symbolizes an evil force; the other indicates freedom. It is either the power of life, which manifests remedy, catharsis and re-born or is a kind of mysterious destructive force, which brings most of ex-slaves physical, emotional, and spiritual devastation. The image of water is both the medium connected with the whole race of Black and a bridge to communicate between the White and the Black. Therefore, in Beloved, Morrison injects more symbolic meanings to the image of water. And it is becoming more efficient way to describe the historical setting of the story, to portray vividly the psychological processes of the characters' thinking, to reveal the true historical facts and truths, and also to promote the plots of the novel moving on smoothly.In the process of comprehending and interpreting the image of water, the thesis is ready to make a research through its three typical patterns in the novel. As a result, the analysis can bring a new sense to the novel, and give the theme depth as well.The paper is composed of Introduction, Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three and Chapter Four, and Conclusion.Introduction part gives an outline of the paper, its aim and its format.Chapter one briefly introduces the experiences of Toni Morrison, and her main literary works.Chapter two inquires into an account of image, its historical background and the application in the literary works.Chapter three tries to figure out the reason why the author adopts the literary technique-imagery.Chapter four, the present thesis makes a systematic analysis on the symbolic imagery by way of three typical patterns in the novel. Through a close examination of the three patterns, the real meanings of the symbolic image can be seen clearly.The adoption of symbolism in the novel is complex, yet Morrison proves herself at all times to be the master of it. She does not present the image at random but weaves it into the story so skillfully that it contributes greatly to the themes of the story.Finally, it comes to the conclusion that the analysis of the water imagery in Toni Morrison's Beloved plays an important role in the creation of the novel. And it is the water imagery that enables Toni Morrison to reveal the brightness of the novel. The image of water in Beloved not only broadens the scope of the meanings but makes the reading of the book a pleasure experience as well.