A Study On The Functions Of Religion In The Bulwark

As the representative of Theodore Dreiser’s philosophy of religion,The Bulwark is a posthumous novel of which the theme and writing techniques seem quite different from the author’s other works.Dreiser’s meeting and subsequent correspondence with Rufus M.Jones,the then leader of the Society of Friends in America,contribute a lot to the writing process of The Bulwark.Jones’ life and thought greatly arouse Dreiser’s curiosity about John Woolman’s Journal and lead him to the path of Quaker mysticism.The storyline of The Bulwark unfolds with the conflict and reconciliation between two generations in a Quaker family.As a devout Quaker,the protagonist Solon Barnes achieves his spiritual well-being through deep reliance on Quaker doctrines,reconsideration on the Inner Light,and final comprehension of divine will.The plain narrative style also contains Dreiser’s life-long contemplation of religion and humanity.However,this slightly "strange" novel has long been neglected and seldom been touched upon in Dreiser studies.This thesis focuses on the religious contemplation expressed in The Bulwark and aims to explore the functions of religion so as to provide a helpful perspective on real-life and spiritual situations.This thesis is composed of five parts.The Introduction briefly generalizes Dreiser’s life and the origin of creating The Bulwark,What follows is the literature review on Dreiser studies at home and abroad,especially on The Bulwark.In addition,some indispensable background information about the Society of Friends and William James’ theory of religion are presented.Furthermore,the significance and structure of the thesis are mentioned here as a possible guide for understanding this thesis.Chapter One centers on the confusion and mental dilemma which the protagonist of The Bulwark confronts with in a mundane world.It is mainly embodied in his religious experience in childhood,frustration in courtship,unbalanced family ethical relationship,and the spiritual predicament caused by materialism.This chapter also aims to demonstrate the superficial function of religion in serving as spiritual sustenance and a bulwark to defend traditional values and morality.Chapter Two elaborates on the characters’journey of overcoming obstacles and achieving spiritual growth.Through deeply analyzing Etta’s evasion and return,Stewart’s indulgence and confession,and Solon’s transition from early indifference towards nature to later introspection and reinterpretation of religious doctrines,this chapter highlights the guiding function of the Inner Light and the redemptive power of religion.Chapter Three delves into the spiritual well-being that the characters eventually attain and explores their contemplation of the Quaker principle of interdependence.Through an analysis of the recovery of brotherhood and reconciliation between two generations,the thesis probes into the protagonist’s acceptance of human love and Creative Divinity,as well as his sense of oneness with God.It can be seen that Dreiser explores not only the Quaker thought,but also nonsectarian religions in The Bulwark,and this novel undoubtedly becomes the statement of Dreiser ’s philosophy of religion.Thereupon,a deeper-level function of religion can be indicated as existing in its saintliness,or in other words,the ultimate concern for humanity.Based on the above analysis,this thesis comes to the conclusion that in The Bulwark,the functions of religion are reflected not merely in superficial spiritual support,or further guidance and redemption for believers.More importantly,it can help mankind to get immersed in contemplation,and ultimately,to reach a better level of existence.