An Analysis Of The Functions Of Conceptual Metaphors In Achieving Discourse Coherence In Frog

Aiming at the inadequacy of previous scholars’ researches on the coherent roles of conceptual metaphors in novels,this thesis carries out a systemic study of discourse coherence functions of conceptual metaphors which aims to provide readers with a cognitive view of literature work appreciation.Besides,it does a favor in the conceptual metaphor study of literary works.This thesis under the guidance of conceptual metaphor theory and semantic view coherence theory proposed by van Dijk(1997),aims to investigate three questions in Frog.First,what kinds of conceptual metaphor are in Frog?Second,how do these conceptual metaphors achieve the local discourse coherence?And the last,how do these conceptual metaphors achieve the global coherence?The thesis mainly adopts qualitative and quantitative research methods.About 203 metaphors are identified by MIP(the metaphor identification Procedure).According to the criteria of Lakoff&Johnson(1980),these conceptual metaphors are classified into about 107 ontological metaphors,79 structural metaphors,and 17 orientational metaphors.By analyzing the conceptual metaphors in Frog,it finds that discourse coherence can be achieved by conceptual metaphors.For a single conceptual metaphor,local coherence can be achieved by internal systematicity and intra-metaphorical entailments.For two conceptual metaphors,local coherence can be achieved by external systematicity and inter-metaphorical entailments.For complex metaphors,local coherence can be achieved by overlapping of purpose.Different metaphors used around fertility theme can achieve global coherence.