An Analysis Of The Tragic Fates Of Main Characters In The Valley Of Amazement From The Perspective Of Spatial Narrative

Amy Tan published The Valley of Amazement in 2013,and the novel tells a story of large-span spatial structure.Based on the spatial narrative theory of Henry Lefebvre?s The Production of Space,this thesis analyzes the tragic fates of main characters from the perspective of physical space,social space,and psychological space.Physical space provides the background where the story happens,and each spot in the novel has its symbolic meaning.The Valley of Amazement,as a dream land in the story,means love and hope for Lucia and Violet.Fata Morgana symbols that the pursuit of love is an illusion for Lucia.The Hidden Jade Path witnesses Lucia?s career success and cheated fate,and it sees Violet?s fortunate fate simultaneously.The Hall of Tranquility brings misery and forced fate for Violet.Moon Pond Village sees Violet?s cheated fate and tolerance.Besides,social space contains not only the real space created in society and reality,but also all kinds of relationships that promote the flow of physical objects and information.Political environment impacts social space.Individualism affects Lucia to make choices in spite of other people?s words;collectivism instructs Lu Shing to put family in front of individual needs and abandon Lucia.Different growing environments make Violet and Magic Gourd?s different fates.Moreover,psychological space is an internal space,which presents the inner motivation of characters? actions.Both Lucia and Violet go through identity crisis,and they despise traditional Chinese culture initially but acknowledge the Chinese culture at last.Their fates and encounters in China change as their attitudes towards eastern culture change.Lucia and Violet?s views of love and career determine their behaviors,and their behaviors determine their fates separately.In all,conclusion can be drawn that the fates of the main characters in the novel are basically tragic with different characteristics.