Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction to The Author-1

1.2 Introduction to The Great Gatsby-1

1.3 Literary Review3

  1.4 Structure of the Thesis3

Chapter Two Theory of Structuralism.4

2.1 Origin and Development of Structuralism4

  2.2 Structuralism and Literature.5

Chapter Three Patterns of Actions in The Great Gatsby6

3.1 The “Seek-Find-Lose” Pattern6

3.1.1 Jay Gatsby6

3.1.2 Daisy Buchanan and Tom Buchanan.7

3.1.3 Myrtle Wilson and George Wilson8

3.2 The “Seek-but-Don’t Find” Pattern9

3.2.1 Nick.9

3.2.2 Minor Characters.9

Chapter Four Conclusion11

References.12

Abstract

As the spokesman of the Jazz Age, Francis Scott Fitzgerald is one of the greatest novelists in American literature. The Great Gatsby is known as his masterpiece. Since it was published in 1925, it has been a focus of critical attention. The story happens in the summer of 1922 in a fictional town of West Egg on Long Island. The novel is mainly about the young and mysterious millionaire named Jay Gatsby and his quixotic passion for Daisy Buchanan.

Structuralism is one of the humanistic thoughts that have great influence on the 20th century. Also it is a common method used to analyze the language, culture and society. Based on the theory of structuralism, the paper will probe into the characters’ patterns of actions in the novel in four chapters. Chapter One briefly introduces Fitzgerald and his masterpiece The Great Gatsby. Chapter Two is devoted to the theory of structuralism and its relation with literature. Chapter Three explores the patterns of action of the characters in The Great Gatsby. Chapter Four is the conclusion of the thesis. It is hoped that through this thesis, readers can have a better understanding of the novel.

Key words:  structuralism  The Great Gatsby    characters   pattern of action