Abstract

The Razor's Edge is a masterpiece of W.S Maugham. It tells a story during the World War I. The young American pilot Larry Darrel makes an acquaintance of an Irishman, but unfortunately his friend dies for saving him. So Larry feels puzzled about the evil and misfortune in the world, and start his trip to find some transcendent meaning in his life.

The story, focusing on Larry, also describes many other American male and female, such as Larry's fiancée, a loyal believer of material world, Isabel; a social-addicted Elliott Templeton; simple-minded but rich Grey; tragic and poor Sophie; and prostitute Suzanne. Just as the author explains in the book, neither is he attempting to advocate the philosophical system known as Vedanta, nor to encourage everyone to be next Larry. The thesis is aimed to, through the perspective of dialogism, and a further study of the characters and their paths, to explore the magnanimous and lenient morality of the author: paths could be various, while the best is to achieve one's ambition.

Keywords: Maugham; The Razor's Edge; Morality; Dialogism; Paths 

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

1. Introduction1

1.1 Introduction of W.S Maugham's Life and Literary Achievement1

1.2 Introduction of The Razor's Edge1

2.Literature Review3

2.1 Previous studies of the novel 3   

2.2 Dialogism.4

3. Dialogism in The Razor's Edge.6

4. The Morality of Maugham.8

4.1 The Variety of Characters8

4.2 The Variety of Paths9

5.Conclusion11

Notes 12

References 13