The Existential Analysis On The Freedom Theme Of Nostromo

As one of the most important litterateurs in the twentieth century, Joseph Conrad, both a sailor and a writer, proves to be unique in literary world. Conrad is a writer ahead of his time. With his unique perspective, he captures the dramatic changes in society and human nature, precisely describes human beings'existential puzzles and complex feelings such as worries, anxieties and angst when facing those changes, and prophesies lots of existential problems ignored by most of people of his time. The study of Conrad and his works can not only contribute to the understanding of human history in Conrad's time, but also help modern people reflect on their existence and human future.In Recent years, Conrad criticism has become a cultural industry in literary world. Various studies by researchers have greatly deepened and widened Conrad criticism. However, the research that analyzes Conrad's freedom theme from existential perspective can rarely be seen. Freedom is the core theme of existentialism and also a goal of Conrad and existentialists in pursuit of human future. The loss of both country and family in childhood and pains of long-term living in foreign countries cause Conrad's pessimism on human existing conditions and deep reflection on human freedom in his works, which are also the concerns of existentialists. By focusing on the existential analysis of Nostromo, the present thesis attempts to reveal Conrad's pursuit, thought, and interpretation of human freedom.This thesis begins with a general survey of criticism on Nostromo in the West and in China, pointing out Conrad's existential dimensions in his perspective of freedom, and then briefly introduces the feasibility and significance of the analysis of Nostromo's freedom theme, followed by the methodology, an introduction on existentialism and existential freedom.The following chapters deal with Conrad's freedom theme in Nostromo, including loss of freedom, pursuit of freedom, and roads to freedom. Human beings lose freedom in the absurd world for their lust for material interests and other desires. They respond to the loss in different ways. Some are not aware of loss of freedom. Some suspect freedom and lead to contradiction. Some struggle for freedom, only to lose more. And others regain freedom through self-redemption. By presenting different people's activities around freedom, Conrad precisely reveals human beings'feelings such as anxiety, contradiction, and anguish, etc., and shows great concern about human existence and deep thought on the right road to human freedom. In addition to that, Conrad also creates his own way of pursuing freedom in his free writing.The conclusion summarizes Conrad's ideas on man's freedom and the significance of his thought to modern society. Firstly, to acquire real freedom, human beings should first discover the true self and know the real world, and then take full responsibility for what he has chosen by his free will, thus creates purposes and values for his own existence. Secondly, Conrad's existential thoughts will have positive influence on modern people by encouraging readers to reflect on their existing conditions and their ways to freedom. The study of Conrad and his works are still of great importance in modern society. Thirdly, considering his deep concerns about existential themes and great prophecies on the future world, we may regard Conrad as a forerunner of existentialism.