Abstract:It is generally believed that when people make an utterance in the communication process, they tend to convey explicitly and implicitly some meanings. Context refers to a situation in which a communication takes place and has an important impact on the content and form of verbal communication. The study of context is the examination of factors that contribute to the meaning of an utterance in communication. Drama, as a special type of literature, is made up of plots and dialogues. The dialogues between the characters in the play can not only show their inner world, but also play an important role in pushing the development of the play. The Merchant of Venice, one of the most famous representative works of Shakespeare, is studied by many scholars from different aspects. In order to provide a new perspective for readers to appreciate it, this paper intends to use the theory of context to analyze the wonderful dialogues between characters in The Merchant of Venice. The functions  and  features  of  context  in  analyzing  the  literal  works  are also exemplified. 

Key words: context, functions, features, The Merchant of Venice

CONTENTS

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review...2

2.1 Introduction to The Merchant of Venice

2.2 Previous studies of The Merchant of Venice

3. Theoretical Framework3

  3.1 Previous studies of Context Abroad

3.2 Previous studies of Context at Home

4. Contextual Analysis of The Merchant of Venice..5

4.1 Analysis of the Context in The Merchant of Venice

4.1.1 Language Context

    4.1.2 Situational Context

    4.1.3 Cultural Context

4.2 Functions of Context in The Merchant of Venice 

    4.2.1 Functions

    4.2.2 Restriction

    4.2.3 Explanation

  4.3 Features of Context in The Merchant of Venice

    4.3.1 Dynamics of context

    4.3.2 Choosability of context

5. Conclusion.12

Biography.. 14

Acknowledgements15