The Analysis Of Multimodal Metaphor On “Apple” In The Lead-in Of Desperate Housewives From The Perspective Of Conceptual Blending Theory

Lakoff and Johnson(1980) think that metaphor exists in our daily life, not only in language, but also in thinking and action. Our thinking and actions are metaphorical in nature. The cognitive construction and interpretation of metaphor are influenced by multiple factors. Metaphor is not only a rhetorical device, but also a cognitive approach. Multimodal metaphor appears frequently and widely in daily life. The realization and explanation of it is important and necessary. The multimodal metaphor of “apple” in the lead-in of Desperate Housewives is a connection between culture and the content of this drama and presents abundant meanings.Based on careful and systematic analysis of Conceptual Blending Theory and multimoal metaphor, this thesis analyzes multimodal metaphor on “apple” in the lead-in of Desperate Housewives from the perspective of Conceptual Blending Theory.There are three questions solved in this thesis:First, can Conceptual Blending Theory be used to analyze multimodal metaphor on “apple” in the lead-in of Desperate Housewives?Second, how to analyze multimodal metaphor on “apple” in the lead-in of Desperate Housewives from the perspective of Conceptual Blending Theory?Third, what factors influence the meaning realization of the multimodal metaphor on “apple” in the lead-in of Desperate Housewives?Based on the above three research questions, the author analyzes multimodal metaphor on “apple” in the lead-in and finds that: first, Conceptual Blending Theory can be used to analyze multimodal metaphor on “apple” in the lead-in of Desperate Housewives by using four mental spaces since Conceptual Blending Theory gives a detailed process of the operation process of the concept. The significant contribution of analyzing multimodal metaphor on apple in the lead-in of Desperate Housewives from the perspective of Conceptual Blending Theory lies in Conceptual Blending Theory’s four mental spaces and dynamic mapping in the mind. Second, the process of meaning realization of multimodal metaphor on “apple” in the lead-in of Desperate Housewives is a five-fold process which is based on Conceptual Blending Theory. Based on this five-fold metaphoric meaning, the author brings forward that level 1 can be reached by apprehending the literal meaning of metaphor. The following levels, from level 2 to level 5 are based on Conceptual Blending Theory. Third, the meaning realization of the multimodal metaphor on “apple” in the lead-in of Desperate Housewives is mainly influenced by three factors: culture, co-text and context of situation.The thesis studies multimodal metaphor on “apple” in the lead-in of Desperate Housewives from the perspective of Conceptual Blending Theory. This thesis analyzes the five-fold meaning realization process of multimodal metaphor on “apple” using four mental spaces from a new research angle. Furthermore, this thesis analyzes the factors influencing the realization and interpretation of multimodal metaphor on “apple”.There are six chapters in this thesis. A brief introduction gives a detailed discussion about the research motivation, research questions, research methods, research significance and the main structure of this thesis. Part two is literature review. Theoretical framework forms the focus of part three. Part four is the main part of this thesis. Chapter six is the conclusion, which concludes the whole paper with the conclusion, limitation and suggestion for further study.