Herzog's Alienation-An Analysis Of The Spiritual Adventures Of The Questing Protagonist In Herzog

The contemporary Jewish American writer Saul Bellow is often acclaimed as the best writer after Hemingway and Faulkner, occupying a prestigious position in American literature. In most of his works, Saul Bellow gives a vivid portrayal of questing figures and this thesis explores one of his major fictions, Herzog, and intends to discuss the alienation of the questing protagonist Herzog. The alienated and frustrated figure subconsciously starts his quest in order to seek the resolution to his predicament and eventually, he gains new insights in terms of life and death, significance of existence and the need of love and human community. Although he doesn't ultimately discover all he searches for, yet he learns to accept the reality, to integrate himself into the society and to aspire for a new and graceful life.The thesis consists of five parts:The introduction presents an overview of Saul Bellow and his great contribution to contemporary literature as a Jewish American writer. In addition, it gives a brief introduction to Herzog and some critical receptions it has achieved.In the first part, the concept of alienation is illustrated from the philosophical perspective. Then it gives a thorough analysis of Herzog's alienation. Such a conclusion is drawn that Herzog's alienation is due to both the social factors and his own personal factors.The second part continues with Herzog's spiritual adventures from his alienation to restoration. Herzog has always been striving for a way out of his tragedy. During the quest, he writes numerous letters to people in all walks of life about everything that bewilders him. Herzog's ceaseless quests finally bear the fruit of his restoration, after the abandonment of alienation.The third part aims to summarize the significance of Herzog's restoration. On the one hand, Herzog has a completely new comprehension of life; on the other hand he regains the freedom of choice and is able to take the responsibility of his actions again, which means he has found the truth of existence to some extent. The conclusion intends to arouse the consciousness of the modern people who have the same predicament as Herzog to regain new comprehension towards life and live in harmony with the nature and society.