| Acknowledgements | 第1-4页 |
| Abstract(English) | 第4-7页 |
| Abstract(Chinese) | 第7-11页 |
| Chapter One A Brief Introduction to Iris Murdoch, The Bell and Criticism on the Novel | 第11-21页 |
| ·A brief introduction to Iris Murdoch | 第11-14页 |
| ·The Synopsis of The Bell | 第14-16页 |
| ·Criticism on The Bell | 第16-21页 |
| Chapter Two Existential Elements in the Novel and its central Theme | 第21-43页 |
| ·A general introduction to existentialism | 第21-22页 |
| ·An analytical reading of the novel from existential perspective | 第22-32页 |
| ·Existence precedes essence-the founding of the community | 第23-24页 |
| ·The absurdity of life-the hero Michael's absurd life | 第24-29页 |
| ·Freedom-the heroine Dora's free choices and actions | 第29-32页 |
| ·The central theme of The Bell | 第32-40页 |
| ·Dora's anxiety for love and freedom | 第34-36页 |
| ·Nick's absurd existence | 第36-38页 |
| ·Catherine's emotional dilemma | 第38-40页 |
| ·A restatement of the central theme | 第40-43页 |
| Chapter Three The Central Formal Characteristics of The Bell and Their Embodiments of Existential and Central Themes | 第43-53页 |
| ·Introduction | 第43-44页 |
| ·Overall structure of The Bell and its embodiment of the themes | 第44-46页 |
| ·Imagery of The Bell and its embodiment of the themes | 第46-53页 |
| ·The central image | 第47-49页 |
| ·The image of the lake | 第49-50页 |
| ·The imagery of animals and plants | 第50-53页 |
| Chapter Four Conclusion | 第53-57页 |
| Bibliography | 第57-59页 |
