Abstract

 The thesis aims to analyze the symbolic meanings emerging in The Pilgrim’s Progress. Symbolic meaning refers to the deep meaning of the image of symbol. In the novel The Pilgrim’s Progress, the images of many characters’ names represent people with the connotation of the specific name. The images of some place names indicate a place or a situation anyone may meet in real life. The symbolic meanings of comparison between different roles refer to different behavior of diverse people which convey silent instructions. The symbolic meanings of many things and affairs show religious principles and philosophies of life. A close analysis of the symbolic meanings, features and functions of the symbols in the novel can make one better understand the novel, and he or she may apply some beneficial principles they have learned to practice. The symbols are vivid and expressive, and they all help highlight the theme of the novel.

Key words: The Pilgrim’s Progress; symbolic meanings; images

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1 Introduction.1

1.1 Background of the study.1

1.2 Objective and methods of the study1

1.3 Overall structure of the thesis.2

2 Literature review.2

3 Symbolic Meanings in the Novel.3

3.1 About symbols and symbolism.3

3.2 Symbolic meanings of some characters' names4 

3.3 Symbolic meanings of some place names.6

3.4 Symbolic meanings embodied in the comparison of different roles9

3.5 Symbolic meanings about religious images and principles10

4 Conclusion.14

References .15