英语专业毕业论文解读电影《风雨哈佛路》中的美国梦.doc

AN INTERPRETATION OF THE AMERICAN DREAM IN HOMELESS TO HARVARD Abstract As the leading figure of western countries, America has her special values. In the research of American values, the American Dream which is believed by lots of Americans is a very important and hot topic. As an ideal of pursuing happiness and perfection, the American Dream gives Americans encouragement and becomes the motivation of them in their lives. Homeless to Harvard is a wonderful inspirational film which is based on Liz Murray’s autobiography Breaking Night. This movie tells a story about an ordinary American girl suffers a hard circumstance when she grows up, but she never gives in. She keeps on studying and finally goes to the famous Harvard University. According to this movie, this thesis gives a brief introduction of the definition, history and modern status of the American Dream. At the same time, this thesis explores the American Dream throughout the comparison between heroine’s touching experience and other characters’ negative performance, thus publicizing equality, freedom and struggle of American values and attacking abandoned attitude of life. By analyzing the process of Liz Murray’s struggle, we can broaden our vision and know more about American values. Key words: American Dream; inspiration; Homeless to Harvard 解读电影《风雨哈佛路》中的美国梦 摘　要 作为西方国家的领头羊，美国有着自己独特的价值观。在对美国价值观的研究当中，“美国梦”是一个非常重要且热门的研究课题，它是一个被众多美国人普遍信仰的信念和精神。作为一种追求幸福和完美的理想，美国梦给予无数美国人激励和鼓舞，成为人们生活的动力。《风雨哈佛路》是基于美国女孩利丝?默里的亲笔传记《破晓》中的感人事迹而改编的一部优秀励志题材的电影。影片讲述了一位普通女孩在遭遇种种残酷境遇和沉重打击下仍顽强向上，最终走进著名的哈佛殿堂的故事。本文以此为切入点，对“美国梦”的定义、历史和社会现状做了一个大体的概括，并通过对比主人公的感人事迹以及电影中其他人物对生活消极绝望的表现对“美国梦”进行了深层次的探讨，宣扬了平等、自由、个人奋斗的美国价值观，抨击了自暴自弃的人生态度。通过分析利丝?默里的奋斗过程，可以拓宽视野，让我们更加了解美国梦。 关键词: 美国梦; 励志; 风雨哈佛路 Contents 1. Introduction 1 2. A brief summary of the American Dream 1 2.1 The definition of the American Dream 1 2.2 The history of the American Dream 2 3. The American Dream reflected from Homeless to Harvard 3 3.1 Liz Murray’s pursuit of her American Dream 3 3.2