英语文学开题报告范文

English literature is an important course for English major students, which is of great significance for the improvement of their own abilities. Below is an English literature thesis proposal sample for your reference.

English Literature Thesis Proposal Sample 1

Title: An Analysis of the Character Portia in the Merchant of Venice

I. Research Objective and Significance

(1) Research Objective

Shakespeare, as the most outstanding artistic master of the British Renaissance, was called by Marx as "the greatest dramatic genius." Through the stage that is both real and illusory and the ingenious stories, Shakespeare created a series of immortal characters. Among them, the character of Portia in The Merchant of Venice is particularly recognized as a distinctive female image in Shakespeare's works. Many commentators believe that Shakespeare's female characters are very close to life and have great cognitive value. In this satirical comedy, Portia is portrayed as beautiful, kind, intelligent, confident, talented, and bold, embodying Shakespeare's ideal of a new woman from a male perspective. However, from a feminist perspective, Portia is not a truly self-aware woman but a woman who compromises with the patriarchal society. This thesis aims to analyze the image of Portia in The Merchant of Venice, revealing her advanced and limited aspects in terms of thought and character, which may provide inspiration for modern women.

(2) Research Significance

Shakespeare's creation of The Merchant of Venice reflects a deep observation of life and a profound analysis of human nature. In this play, women's emotions and reason are equally balanced, and women appear as equals to men. This is most evident in the character of Portia. She is portrayed as gentle, loyal, kind, intelligent, and brave. She controls her destiny, playing a key role in both choosing her husband and defeating Shylock. In today's society, the radiant image of Portia can provide inspiration and reference for people. She chooses love over money, believing that love is priceless and cannot be replaced by money or material things. Her loyalty and persistence in love are worth learning from women who only pursue material enjoyment. In real life, some people should not discriminate against others because of their advantages but should learn to look at others without prejudice. In court, Portia's heroic and resourceful appearance as a disguised legal scholar turns the plot and leads Shylock into her trap. Her ingenious plan shows her profound knowledge, intelligence, courage, and wisdom, which is an image that we identify with and admire. The vivid and lifelike character of Portia in The Merchant of Venice can inspire and provide reference for people in real life.

II. Research Status at Home and Abroad

(1) Status Abroad

From the 14th to 16th centuries, Europe experienced an important period in the development of human culture. The powerful humanism movement, originating in Italy, quickly spread across Europe. It opposed feudal autocracy, church authority, and asceticism, affirming the value of human beings, praising human reason and wisdom, and advocating the pursuit of happiness and individual freedom in the present world. European drama at that time mainly focused on Britain and Spain, with many of Shakespeare's plays being treasures in the world's drama treasury. Since the 17th century, Shakespeare's plays have gradually spread to Germany, France, Italy, Russia, and the United States, having a profound impact on drama in these countries. Even though Shakespeare lived 400 years ago, there are still many scholars and critics in various countries studying and commenting on his works. Famous literary critics and theorists from Germany, France, Russia, and other countries, such as Goethe, Voltaire, Pushkin, and Tolstoy, have made brilliant comments on Shakespeare's works. Samuel Johnson, a famous British literary critic, believed that Shakespeare's plays are mirrors of life, "Whoever is confused by the fantastic stories invented by other writers can be cured of his whimsical ideas by reading Shakespeare's expressions of ordinary human thoughts and emotions in common language." One of the great achievements of The Merchant of Venice is its reflection of the times and life requirements in its light comedy, not just through dialogues but also through the plot, characters, and relationships.

(2) Status in China

The name of Shakespeare was introduced by missionaries in 1856. In the late Qing Dynasty, prominent figures in the Chinese intellectual community, such as Yan Fu and Liang Qichao, mentioned Shakespeare's name in their translations and writings. However, his plays were not translated into Chinese until after the May Fourth Movement in 1919. After the founding of New China, especially in the 1950s, many new translations appeared, including Fang Ping's translation of The Merchant of Venice. It was during this period that Chinese scholars began to interpret and explore the cultural connotations of Shakespeare and his works, not only supplementing and improving China's Shakespeare studies but also a significant step towards international academic standards. From 1985 to 2005, the study of Shakespeare's comedies in China, including The Merchant of Venice, mainly focused on three aspects: the essence of comedy, character analysis, and comparative studies. The focus on the essence of comedy explores the spirit, art, and aesthetics of comedy. Character analysis focuses on the analysis of Shylock and female characters, with the theme centered on love and friendship.