Struggling Between The Inevitable And The Contingent

This dissertation focuses on the factors contributing to the initiation of three characters, one protagonist and two other minor characters, in Song of Solomon, a typical initiation novel by Toni Morrison. The growth or initiation of three characters is influenced by some common factors, however, it is the variable factors that lead to the different forms and results of initiation. This dissertation uses Lewin's group dynamics theory as its theoretical base to explore the impact of determinants, which are defined and classified according to the degree of influences they exert on the three characters. And by comparing and contrast, a conclusion is made of the inevitable and the contingent factors which lead the three characters to different endings.According to Lewin, the growth of an individual is strongly influenced by his or her family and community. The behaviors of each individual is the result of the effect of his or her family intra-relationship to a great extent and the community's different influences on individual family result in individual's different endings. In this dissertation, the family and community influences are studied in depth, meanwhile the family is viewed as the Micro-group ? while the community regarded as Macro-group. Thus each individual is a member of the two groups. The interaction among the three, the individual group members and the two groups, is dynamic. Therefore, each individual experiences different paths under the dynamic interaction among the three. The unusual behaviors of the black individual members result from the negative effects of black family intra-relationship to a great extent and the black community's different influences on individual family result in black individual members' different endings. Nevertheless, the factors advocated by Levin are necessary conditions for initiation but not sufficient conditions. The importance of intrinsic factors are obviously overlooked by him. Therefore, the adoption of his theoretical framework is not intended to prove the truth of it but to test the soundness or applicability of it in this research.Chapter One introduces the issue, including the theme and thesis statement of this dissertation. Moreover, it also covers some basic introductory background information about the novel which is conducive to the expounding of the issue, such as the initiation theme in the novel.Chapter Two gives a glimpse of Group Dynamics theory advocated by Lewin, which serves as the theoretical base for this dissertation and interprets the invisible relationship and interaction between group members and their group. In addition, The determinants are classified into two categories, one is intrinsic, which includes individual members' personality, intelligence, appearance, gene and the other is external, covering upbringing, parenting, socialization in larger social units etc.Chapter Three analyzes the contingent aspect of Familial-environmental factor. It is taken for granted that family environment plays a vital part in children's initiation. However, each family environment is unique and its influence on children is far different from others'. Thus, this chapter devotes to the explanation of how different the impact of family factors is when the families are organized in distinctive forms.Chapter Four explores the function and malfunction of community. Some basic information about group cohesion is given to illustrate the problems of identity crisis, the assimilation of other community as well as gender conflicts within the community once the community fails to function in an active manner. In addition, the chapter discloses the role of the community in influencing black families, showing that the different influences of the community on black families bring about quite different endings of the individual.Chapter Five examines the role of help both within the family and from the community. The helpers are the determinant whose impact is not planned, but it really influences the characters from time to time. Thus, it is an indispensable part for an individual's initiation.Chapter Six discusses and analyzes the two requirements, autonomy and openness, for an individual's initiation. The successful initiation will be achieved only by meeting the two requirements listed above.Chapter Seven is the conclusion in which the findings are integrated. From the findings, some implications are drawn and the limitations are listed accordingly.