Abstract:The writer of this paper uses symbolic skills to analyze the symbolism of this story The Loons by the well-known contemporary Canadian writer Margaret Laurence and its implied idea so that readers can have a better understanding of the significance of the story. This paper analyses various symbolic meanings from the following aspects: symbolic significance reflected in the story which consist of symbolic significance of The Loons, the fate of the loons equal to Piquette’s, the symbol of the loons’ fate, the symbol of the loons’ voice and the symbol of final fate—the double tragedy of personality and society. Finally， This paper concludes that this story reflects the writer’s profound concern for human and ecology.    

Key words: the loons; tragedy; symbol; the significance of symbolism

中文摘要:通过解读加拿大著名女作家玛格丽特•劳伦斯的短篇小说《潜水鸟》的象征手法及该小说的深层含义的探究，使读者对该小说有一个更深入的理解。该文从小说的象征入手，分析了小说《潜水鸟》的象征；潜水鸟和皮革特的命运；潜水鸟命运的象征；潜水鸟声音的象征及小说主人翁性格和社会的双重悲剧。最后得出这样的结论：《潜水鸟》折射了加拿大作家劳伦斯对人类和生态之关注。

关键词：潜水鸟；悲剧；象征；象征意蕴