《了不起的盖茨比》中的结构反讽分析

An Analysis of Structural Irony in The Great Gatsby

摘  要

菲茨杰拉德是20世纪文学史上一位杰出的小说家。在其代表作《了不起的盖茨比》当中，他巧妙地运用了结构反讽，反映了物质时代严峻的社会矛盾。

本文重点研究小说《了不起的盖茨比》中的结构反讽，全文分为四个部分，第一部分简单介绍结构反讽的概念和分类；第二部分研究小说中叙述者尼克独特的叙述视角及其强烈的讽刺效果；第三部分分析小说中的核心符码，试图揭示其反讽功能；第四部分从语篇构建方面探究结构反讽在小说中的艺术效果。

本论文研究发现结构反讽是构建语篇的有效手段，能揭示出小说主题及其深刻的内涵。体现作者运用结构反讽并非掩盖其的真正意图，而是引领读者探寻作品的真实思想。对于结构反讽的分析可见，菲茨杰拉德对“美国梦”的实质做了深刻探究，对爵士时代的穷奢极侈的社会现实进行了严肃的批评。

关键词：《了不起的盖茨比》；结构反讽；叙述视角；核心符码

Abstract

Fitzgerald is one of the most outstanding novelists in the twentieth century. In his magnum opus The Great Gatsby, he wisely used structural irony, which served as a response to the severe social contradiction in the material age.

This paper focuses on how structural irony is employed in this novel. It is divided into four parts. The first part of this thesis briefly introduces the concept and classification of structural irony. Part two studies the narrator Nick's unique narrative perspective and the irony it generates. Part three mainly analyzes the core codes of the novel in an attempt to reveal its ironic function. The fourth part explores the artistic effects of structural irony from the aspects of textual construction, and it also uncovers the theme of this novel.

This paper finds that structural irony is an effective means to construct discourse. It helps to reveal the theme and profound connotation of the novel. Structural irony is not employed to conceal the real intention of the author, but to inspire the readers to uncover the true thought of the novel. Through the analysis of structural irony, it is found that Fitzgerald makes a profound inquiry into the essence of the American Dream, and he seriously criticizes the life of luxury and dissipation in the jazz age. 

Key words: The Great Gatsby; structural irony; narrative perspective; core codes