The Analysis About The Guides' Characters In Look Homeward, Angel

Thomas Wolfe (1900_<sub>1938) is one of the great writers of the twentieth century. He was just 38 years old when he died, but his extraordinary Talent gives the world large literary achievements. He published four novels, Look homeward Angel, Of Time and the River, The Web and the Rock, You Can't Go Home Again. Look homeward ,Angel is seen as his best one. He just writes his own experience, but in the novel we can see their confusion and chase even the complex spiritual world of the whole American nation. His creation surpass the southern culture and the region restriction, Called as the symbol of the American mature.In the past, the researchers often focused on the leading role or the philosophy theme of the novel. In my essay the focal point is the guides and the growth of our protagonist.In the novel, the protagonist has not only one guide. During the different period the protagonist has different guide. The guide's influence on the protagonist is quite important for the growth.â… Father GantFather Gant is the most important guide during Eugene's childhood, because the family is the child first living environment. The child's Initial Awareness originates from their parents.â…¡Teacher MargaretWhen Eugene grows up, his living environment divert to the school. The teacher becomes the most important person in his life. The teacher's behavior effect the boy's concept of life and values. She helps Eugene to find his location in the society. She gives Eugene the hope of the existence.â…¢Lover LauraIn Eugene's adolescence, his body developed and he interested in girls. At this time, the lover is necessary for Eugene. Even the romance is failed at last, Eugene accepts more than love.â…£Brother BenAt the last chapter, Eugene escapes from his family, hometown, and native region. He goes to Harvard to continue his study. He finally finds that it is art that assists him in conquering time and death. Ben is the most important guide, who helps him to find the answer to the confusion. Ben is not only Eugene's brother but also his spiritual father.In my essay, I use dialectical methods to analysis the influence of the guides. Not simply divided them into good or bad.Look homeward ,Angel is a autobiographical, Thomas Wolfe showed us his idea of'root'and his love to his hometown. He is not himself but a miniature of the youth at that time.The Research about Thomas Wolfe and his novel is not excessive. Even in the university few men reads Thomas Wolfe. Comment on the article of Thomas Wolfe is slow. We just have ten articles about him. So it is necessary for us to do more research on him.Thomas Wolfe accepted Sigmund Freud's theory and Western Philosophy and used them in his novel. So it made the character of the novel more abundant. When we analyze the Characters of his novel, we can also find the source of the American young people's confusion after the World War.