Lost Paradise Regained In Art---On Thomas Wolfe's Look Homeward,Angel

The paper attempts to explore Eugene s quest for liberation in its var- ious forms by analyzing how the novel s various symbols and images sup- port deepening the theme. It is divided into four parts. The first part talks about Eugene s dilemma and his quest for libera- tion. Some symbols the image of centaur as a symbol of liberation, imag- es of door, sound and water as symbols of the paradise of preexistence are also discussed to deepen the theme. Part Two deals with his escape from loneliness. Eugene s quests to escape from loneliness take three main directions: for the knowledge and stimulus to his imagination; for ife itself; for self acceptance and in- dependence. Part Three discusses Eugene s escape from his family, hometowii, and native region. A series of journeys eventually makes Eugene ready to leave Altamontpeniianently at the end of the novel. Part Four deals with time and death the most inclusive trap in the novel. Finally Eugene finds that it is art that assists him in conquering time and death.