The Relationship between Metaphors of Addiction and Character Development in 19th Century British Novels

Abstract

The 19th century marked an unprecedented period of prosperity in British literature, giving rise to numerous distinguished authors and works. During this era, the metaphor of addiction, as a unique narrative technique, established a close connection with character development. This metaphor not only deepened the portrayal of characters but also enriched the thematic content of the works, allowing readers to understand more profoundly the inner worlds and complex personalities of the characters. The use of addiction metaphors in 19th century British novels was not accidental; it reflected the societal attention to drug issues and the profound exploration of human nature. Through the symbolic element of addiction, authors could reveal the inner conflicts, struggles, and pursuits of their characters, thereby creating more dimensional and vivid character portrayals. Moreover, the development of character personalities also influenced the representation of addiction metaphors in novels. Different character personalities led to varied attitudes and responses to addiction, further enriching the connotation and expression of the addiction metaphor. Therefore, the relationship between addiction metaphors and character development is intertwined and mutually reinforcing.