An ECM Analysis Of Coherent Functions Of Thematic Structures

Thematic structures have been extensively studied by linguistic scholars from home and abroad because of the powerful textual functions they display. Previous studies on thematic structures in literary texts have centered on the linking and prominent function that thematic structures play. Only few studies on the coherent functions of thematic structures in literary texts have been found, let alone the studies on the cognitive mechanisms that coherent functions of thematic structures in literary texts reveal.This research will explore the cognitive mechanisms underlying the coherent functions of thematic structures in literary texts with the application of Event-domain Cognitive Model(ECM) put forward by linguist scholar Wang Yin. First, by qualitative analysis, 85 pieces of texts which reflect Tess’ complex character, her mental and physical activities, the title of the novel and the sub-titles of seven phases of the novel have been selected from the novel, Tess of the D’urbervilles(abbrev.Tess) by Thomas Hardy, and used as corpus of the research. 48 typical and representative pieces of texts, the title of the novel and the three sub-titles of the phases are selected from the corpus as the data for the research. Secondly, the theory of ECM and its four cognitive features are described. The theory is systemic enough to serve as the theoretical framework for the research. Thirdly, by applying qualitative and quantitative analysis, the data are classified and analyzed to find the cognitive mechanisms behind the coherent functions of thematic structures.After analysis, it has been found that the cognitive mechanisms for the coherence of texts are reflected in the following four aspects. First, centralizing progression texts achieve coherence by revealing linear & hierarchical, dynamic & static, prominent and gestalt feature of ECM. Second, constant progression texts obtain coherence by embodying dynamic & static, prominent and gestalt feature. Third, parallel progression texts and centralizing & parallel progression texts achieve textural coherence by displaying prominent feature. Fourth, constant & extended progression texts and centralizing & extended progression texts obtain textual coherence by embodying dynamic & static feature of ECM. Meanwhile, the cognitive mechanisms for the coherence of the whole novel are reflected in the following three aspects. First, by displaying linear & hierarchical feature of ECM, the structure of the novel achieves coherence. Second, by displaying dynamic & static feature of ECM, the heroine’s three good qualities are presented to connect the plots of the story in the novel together and push the plots progress forward. The plots of the story become coherent. Third, by displaying prominent or gestalt feature of ECM, the heroine’s other qualities are repeatedly made prominent or presented. The image of the heroine becomes coherent.It can be concluded that it is people’s cognitive mechanisms that determine the coherence of thematic structures. It also can be concluded that ECM, as theoretical framework, can successfully explain coherent functions of thematic structures in literary works. The research theoretically would enriches the studies on the coherent functions of thematic structures. It would shed light on the application of thematic structures.