The Uncultivated Oasis--Preliminary Research On Mary McCarthy

Mary Therese McCarthy (1912-1989) was a writer who enjoyed a high reputation in American contemporary literary circles. She was good at depicting marriage, gender relations and the roles of women and intellectuals vividly. Her works could always attracted concerns of all sections of society. McCarthy graduated from Vassar College, and came to the fore from the New Republic, then stepped into American literary scene in the late 30s. Until the 70's, she had earned a place in American cultural as a writer and a critic with her unique style. She was praised as "the only true writer of our time" by the New York Times.McCarthy entered the literary world at a time of the Great Depression, and the international political arena was always in a rough and ever-changing state in the later decades. Under these circumstances, she was full of enthusiasm for politic and had the courage to act as people's guide. She kept thinking, exploring and practicing constantly. As an intellectual, she always showed untiring zeal in the pursuit of truth, and the strong social and public awareness. It is the time that created the ethos for the writers with conscience, and it is also the results of her character that respect for the freedom and pursue the true meaning. Therefore, the study of McCarthy's literary creation, not only has a certain academic significance, but also is a special review of the American Left Wing literary scene in the 20th century. It is significant for us to reflect on the changes and developments of ethos of modern Western society against the backdrop of economic globalization. This thesis attempts to introduce McCarthy from a panoramic view, setting the literature elements which influenced her as the main line to show her growth and works: using the experiences of her real-life to glimpse at the situation of American literature, using her literary works to reflect the contemporary American society. With Hannah Arendt's political philosophy, studying of McCarthy's important work The Oasis in depth, analyzing of McCarthy's political views, and exploring the enlightenments that her political life brings about. This thesis aims at through the research on McCarthy to show the distinctive writer and the American political, cultural history which she witnessed and recorded. And try to explain: what Mary McCarthy brings to us, will be a different kind of culture "oasis."...