Abstract: The Golden Notebook is Doris Lessing’s most popular work. Lots of symbols are used in the novel. Important symbols are colors, dreams, character names, and the book’s chaotic structure. This thesis discusses the symbolic meanings of these symbols. The color symbols represent such feelings as disappointment, depression, and pleasure or such status quo as misfortune, misery, and truth. Dreams indicate Anna’s failure, spiritual crisis or her courage in different parts of the novel. The chaotic structure symbolizes the chaotic world. Lessing uses symbolism to express various themes which show the panorama of the broken world and the despair and depression of the human spirit in the 20th century.

Key words: The Golden Notebook ; Symbolism；Colors; Dreams; Structure

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction.1  

  1.1 Brief introduction to Doris Lessing and The Golden Notebook

  1.2 Brief introduction to Symbolism 

2. Symbolism in The Golden Notebook.3

  2.1 Symbolic interpretation of the colors 

  2.2. Symbolic interpretation of the chaotic structure 

  2.3 Symbolic interpretation of the dreams 

  2.4 Symbolic interpretation of the names of the characters

3. Conclusion .9

Bibliography.11

Acknowledgements..12