| There are abundant descriptions of costume in News from Nowhere,which is an important part of the novel,but has not attracted enough critical attention so far.Costume carries special spiritual connotation for the community building of the novel and presents a community that is different from the one in the 19th century Britain.At the first level,this thesis argues how the preference of costume choice helps ameliorate personal interaction in community building.Firstly,the popularization of blue-color and embroidered costume shows elimination of classes which is the premise of an organic community.Secondly,the Nowhere inhabitants’tolerance for Guest’s19th-century costume and their offer of new costume to Guest set a model of hospitable treatment of strangers,which is an indispensable part in building a community with depth.At the second level,this thesis examines the role of elegant working costume in cultivating the common working interest which is the root of community.As a vital part of the way of life,their attitude towards work broadens the breadth of Nowhere community.Firstly,common laborers’splendid costumes develop working interest by giving prominence to their dignity regardless of the kind of work they do.Secondly,the bright-colored costumes of the Nowhere inhabitants show their strong interest in work and develop more working interest.At the third level,this thesis explores the role of costume materials in reshaping a common aesthetic taste which can promote a community of feelings.Firstly,the use of gold as costume material in Nowhere weakens its pecuniary function and highlights a practical aesthetic taste.Secondly,the extensive usage of silk in Nowhere indicates that the economic value of silk in the 19th century and the Middle Ages has been equally weakened and used for a comfortable life.Thirdly,Ellen’s healthy and wild beauty rendered by light-material costume contribute to another common aesthetic taste--prior consideration of natural beauty. |
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