A Study Of The Secret Garden From The Perspective Of Conceptual Metaphor

The Secret Garden written by Frances Hodgson Burnett is generally acknowledged as one of the most classic children literature which can be analyzed from various aspects. In order to explore the theme of The Secret Garden, the thesis studies the novel from the perspective of conceptual metaphor. Though many scholars have analyzed the meaning of the garden, the author believes that the conceptual metaphor can present more vividly the educational meaning reflected in the novel.This thesis is composed of five chapters. Chapter one is to introduce Burnett and her works, the story of The Secret Garden, previous research on The Secret Garden and the structure of the thesis. And the thesis tries to point out that PEOPLE ARE PLANTS. The state of two characters is like the state of plants in the garden. In order to grow well, both the plants and the two characters need love and care.In Chapter two, the author makes a brief introduction to the Conceptual Metaphor Theory proposed by Lakoff and Johnson and introduces some studies of conceptual metaphor applied in literature. Conceptual Metaphor advocates that metaphor uses specific and concrete concepts to comprehend abstract and unfamiliar ones. Cognitive linguists classified conceptual of metaphor into three kinds:Structure Metaphors Orientaional Metaphors and Ontological Metaphors. With the help of conceptual metaphor, we can have a better understanding of abstract concepts.Chapter three focuses on one mapping of the metaphor PEOPLE ARE PLANTS. The physical state of two characters is the state of the plants. Both the characters and the plants in the garden go through the process of being deserted and found. When they are abandoned, both of them are in poor state. After being found and receiving love, they both gradually come alive and grow well.Chapter four analyzes another mapping of PEOPLE ARE PLANTS. The mental state of two characters is the state of the plants. The process of getting purified souls is the process of getting beautiful flowers. The two characters go through being deserted and locked mentally, and then found. They get beautiful souls at last. The plants also undergo being deserted, locked and later being found and taken good care of. In the end, flowers bloom.In the conclusion chapter, the author tries to point out that the two characters are just like the plants in the garden. In order to grow well, they need real care and love.