Existentialism In Jewish Consciousness: On The Humanistic Worldview Of Saul Bellow's Fiction

As one of the most influential figures in contemporary American literature, SaulBellow authentically portrays the complexity and spiritual void in modern westernsociety. Bellow depicts the dilemma of urban intellectuals, especiallyJewish-American intellectuals and shows concern for the real needs and aspirations ofmodern human being. Bellow's works illuminate that the value of life depends ondignity rather than its success, and truth must triumph at last. Affirmative andoptimistic, Bellow's works explore grace and dignity within everyman, and quest forauthentic existence in the modern world.During his literary career, Bellow creates numerous novels, which brought himprestigious awards and established his position in contemporary American literature.In his novels, Bellow explores living conditions of our time and anatomizes theproblems that trouble modern human being. Influenced by the Existentialism, Bellowshares Existential attitudes towards absurdity of the universe, the alienation peoplesuffer from, and the query of human existence. To solve the recurrent questions ofExistentialism, such as "Who am I?" "Why do I exist?" Bellow's protagonists spareno efforts in eliminating Existential perplexity and seeking the truth of authenticexistence.As a Jewish writer, Bellow's literary works mirror the Jewish heritage andtradition that are deeply rooted in his mind. Bellow's works demonstrates his Jewishconsciousness, which includes Bellow's beliefs in Jewish humanism, and Bellow'sunique attitudes towards community, family, suffering, Holocaust and so on. Bellow'sworks echo ethical optimism and reject denigration of human life. As Bellow'sarchetypal protagonists are Jewish intellectuals, Bellow's works reflect Jewishemphasis on family values, explore love and other relationship between self andothers, and demonstrate Bellow's faith in the paramount importance of community.In this thesis, Bellow's humanistic worldview is studied through the analysis ofBellow's three novels, Herzog, Dangling Man and Henderson the Rain King, with theaim of a better understanding of the combined influence of Existentialism and Jewish consciousness upon Bellow.This thesis consists of five parts:Chapter one reviews Bellow's life and literary career, presents a brief survey ofprevious criticism on Bellow, and raises the topic this thesis is going to discuss.Chapter two analyzes Existentialism in Bellow's works. Firstly, a briefintroduction to Existentialism is presented, including theory of Existentialism andinfluence of Existentialism. Then, the thesis discusses the Existential elements inBellow's work. Existentialism believes the universe is absurd, and shows humanreflection on the disorientation and confusions. Seen as a whole, Bellow'sprotagonists suffer in the chaotic world, and share sense of alienation. They feelthemselves impotent and helpless, being isolated from society. Their ultimate goal isto search for meaningful existence.Chapter three explains Jewish consciousness in Bellow's works. In this section,it begins with the brief introductions to Judaism, Jewish culture, and Bellow's Jewishbackground. As far as Jewish consciousness is concemed, most Bellow's worksdepict men with Jewish identity or the Jew in disguise, share strong family ties, valuethe significance of community, and discuss Jewish emotions upon suffering,Holocaust and so on. Also, this thesis explores Bellow's indebtedness to Jewishtradition.Chapter four discusses Bellow's humanistic spirit under the combined influenceof Existentialism and Jewish tradition. Through the fusion of two forces in Bellow'sworks, the Existential problems ultimately get to be solved. Accompanied by theirstrong desire to be human, the Bellow protagonists become aware of theirresponsibility, confront with reality and fulfill their integration with society. Thisthesis examines Bellow's concernfor human being and summarizes Bellow'shumanistic worldview.Chapter five is the conclusion. This section reaffirms Beilow's humanisticworldview and points out implication and limitation of this thesis.