Getting Rid Of The Old Order Heading For The New Life

Katherine Anne Porter (1890-1980), an active American southern writer in the first half of the 20th century, is widely known for her popular short stories and novellas. She wrote in a sharp and concise style with a conscientious artistic attitude as well as an acute and keen observation of the society. Her output is small, but each of them is powerful, peculiar and profound, inspiring people in many aspects. Because of her wonderful works, she has enjoyed a very high reputation in American literary circles. Miranda series stories depict young Miranda's initiation experiences at the beginning of the 20th century. This dissertation starts by introducing the background of southern people's lives. It then analyzes, in what way Miranda found the value of life, during the conflict of old south and new society, and how she grew up to be a self-dependent and self-supporting woman from a na?ve little girl.This dissertation is composed of five parts: introduction, experiencing the Old Order, querying the Old Order, heading for the new life, and conclusion. Introduction introduces Katherine Anne Porter, her Miranda stories and the argument of this dissertation: the significance of examining the relationship between Miranda's initiation and her life background. Chapter One discusses southern social state around the Civil War, southerners'thoughts about the past, and their influence on Miranda. Chapter Two focuses on Miranda's suspicion during her growing-up. Neither did she believe that beautified Great Past, nor did she take Grandmother as the center of her life for granted. She changed her ideals to widen her horizon and made firm belief about seeking true life. Chapter Three deals with the difficulties and setbacks in Miranda's life. She became a rebellious and self-confident woman after conquering the difficulties. The last part is the conclusion. Miranda stories explores the hard time for a woman under the background of war. Life background can influence but cannot dominate people's character. Katherine Anne Porter (1890-1980), an active American southern writer in the first half of the 20th century, is widely known for her popular short stories and novellas. She wrote in a sharp and concise style with a conscientious artistic attitude as well as an acute and keen observation of the society. Her output is small, but each of them is powerful, peculiar and profound, inspiring people in many aspects. Because of her wonderful works, she has enjoyed a very high reputation in American literary circles. Miranda series stories depict young Miranda's initiation experiences at the beginning of the 20th century. This dissertation starts by introducing the background of southern people's lives. It then analyzes, in what way Miranda found the value of life, during the conflict of old south and new society, and how she grew up to be a self-dependent and self-supporting woman from a na?ve little girl. This dissertation is composed of five parts: introduction, experiencing the Old Order, querying the Old Order, heading for the new life, and conclusion. Introduction introduces Katherine Anne Porter, her Miranda stories and the argument of this dissertation: the significance of examining the relationship between Miranda's initiation and her life background. Chapter One discusses southern social state around the Civil War, southerners'thoughts about the past, and their influence on Miranda. Chapter Two focuses on Miranda's suspicion during her growing-up. Neither did she believe that beautified Great Past, nor did she take Grandmother as the center of her life for granted. She changed her ideals to widen her horizon and made firm belief about seeking true life. Chapter Three deals with the difficulties and setbacks in Miranda's life. She became a rebellious and self-confident woman after conquering the difficulties. The last part is the conclusion. Miranda stories explores the hard time for a woman under the background of war. Life background can influence but cannot dominate people's character.