This thesis aims at examining song Cycle composed 《Hermit Songs》by Samuel Barber, Samuel Barber’s At patrick’s purgatory、Church bell at night、St.Ita’s vision、The heavenly banquet、The crucifixion、Sea-snatch、Promiscuity、The monk and his cat、The praises of God、The desire for hermitage。

Major topics included in this thesis are: an introduction Samuel Barber’s life, and musical style; a description of the characteristics of the Hermit songs; an explanation of the meanings of the songs based on critical analyses of their musical forms, Lyrics, and recommendations for ways to render the songs.