| Since Josephine Tey is acclaimed as one of the most distinctive British female detective novelists of the 20 th century, this thesis is intended to analyze her whole detective novels, whose themes and narrative methods will be further elaborated through the combination of thematic study, extensive reading and background study. Additionally there are elaboration included in the study of the peculiarity of Tey’s detective novels in expressing serious themes, breaking the traditional structure and reflecting the social, cultural and historical factors.The paper is made up of five chapters. The first chapter outlines the introduction of Josephine Tey and Golden Age of detective literature in Britain. Chapter Two to Chapter Four demonstrate three themes of novels: First of all, the theme of crime, mainly discussing the motive and types of crime and dispelling of evil. Secondly, the theme of quest. There are official detectives, amateur detectives and female characters in the novels who are questing for their own as well as finding the truth of murder.Thirdly, the theme of inspiration on three aspects including the complexity of humanity, the effects of public opinion and the truth of history. Chapter five concentrates on the analysis of narrative methods such as narrative clues, the narrative rhythm,setting of suspense,etc. The last part draws the conclusion. |
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