Conflict And Fusion

David Lodge(1935—)is a contemporary British scholar with an international fame. He has multiple identities, being both an academic critic and a novelist with strong self-consciousness. He has published15novels, and Nice Work is the last one of his most famous "The Campus Trilogy". In this novel, the writer boldly made up a "shadow plan of Industrial Year". Through the clashes between Robyn Penrose and Vic Wilcox, the novel shows various conflicts that exist in postmodern society, such as the conflicts between spirit and material, intellectuals and the public, campus civilization and industrial civilization, and it also shows the fusion hidden behind the conflicts.This thesis attempts to make a systematic analysis of Nice Work, so as to explore its theme of conflict and fusion. Through artistic analysis of the behaviors of the hero and heroine, this thesis attempts to summarize the specific evidences that show the theme of conflict and fusion and the social and cultural connotation they carry. Apart from that, based on Lodge’s critical theory, this thesis explores the causes of the theme and reveals its profound social significance.The paper falls into five parts, including Introduction, Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three and Conclusion.The Introduction part firstly makes an introduction to David Lodge and his works. Secondly, after reviewing the studies on Nice Work at home and abroad, it points out the shortcoming of domestic studies—too little concern about its theme, and thus establishes the significance of this study. Thirdly, by analyzing the specific evidences that show of the theme of conflict and fusion, it makes the value of this study clearer. Lastly, it explains the methods of research and terms in the paper.Chapter One mainly analyses the various conflicts in the novel in the postmodern context, and discusses their social and cultural connotation. Though the analysis of the character’s own conflicts, conflicts between the characters, and conflicts between different classes and fields these characters represent, this chapter shows the multiple difficulties in the postmodern society and reveals the writer’s deep anxieties.Chapter Two mainly analyses the covert fusion hidden behind the overt conflicts. After analyzing the change of the hero and heroine’s image, it points out that heterogeneous classes and cultures may infiltrate each other and achieve fusion by way of communication, and explores the realization and prospects of "only connect" method of fusion.Chapter Three basically analyses the causes of the novel’s theme, and makes some cultural reflection. Combining the background, Lodge’s literary criticism theory, dual structure and comedy spirit in the novel, this chapter explores the causes of the theme and concludes that Lodge expresses serious subject though the form of comedy, which reflects his profound humanistic care.The Conclusion part summarizes the main content of the paper, and shows that Lodge’s unique critical theory influences his writing a lot, and emphasizes the significance and value of the theme of this novel.