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On The Alienation And Anti-alienation Of Joe Christmas In Light In August

Posted on:2011-06-17Degree:MasterType:Thesis
Country:ChinaCandidate:F LongFull Text:PDF
GTID:2155330332959881Subject:English Language and Literature
Abstract/Summary:PDF Full Text Request
Based on Marx's theory of labor alienation, this thesis analyzes the alienation and anti-alienation process of Joe, the mulatto in Light in August and the causes of this process. Joe's isolated lifestyle, his alienated habits and behaviors and his apathetic attitude toward family and love, all demonstrate the alienation in his characters. Joe's alienation can be attributed to three points: racial discrimination, Calvinism, and women's influences on him. In the process of Joe's anti-alienation, he realizes his responsibility and accepts his identity. However, as a poor creature facing the powerful social force, Joe has to surrender to the indifferent society and turns to be a victim, a scapegoat in it.Through analyzing the development of Joe's alienation to anti-alienation, this thesis points out that Joe's tragedy is due to complex internal causes and social causes. If the Southern society could hold a tolerate attitude towards Joe, his life journey might be totally different. Joe's tragic story is not limited to a specific time and space, but has a universal, realistic significance to all human beings: the true harmoniousness in society is to respect and integrate different races, thoughts and cultures.
Keywords/Search Tags:theory of labor alienation, notion of race, alienation, anti-alienation
PDF Full Text Request
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