| Saul Bellow, one of the most prominent Jewish American writers, is regarded asthe leading figure in Post World WarⅡAmerican literary arena after ErnestHemingway and William Faulkner. In his writing career that lasts more than 60 years,Bellow produced a large quantity of works which brought him numerous rewards. In1976, Saul Bellow was awarded the Nobel Prize for his“humanistic understandingand the subtle analysis of the contemporary culture.”Herzog is one of Saul Bellow’smasterpieces, the publication of which draws tremendous attention from both readersand critics, and establishes his status as a major American novelist. As a transitionalwork in Bellow’s literary creation, Herzog has aroused a sensation because of its“high taste”. This novel portrays an alienated intellectual who meets with a series offailures in life, demonstrates the American intellectual’s mental crisis, and illustratesthe author’s interpretation of human beings’authentic existence.This thesis intends to discuss the protagonist’s spiritual journey from alienationto restoration. Suffering from the misery of failed marriages and the pain of isolation,Herzog gradually falls into alienation. Without help, Herzog subconsciously starts hisquest in order to seek the resolution to his predicament. Owing to love from familyand friends, and through deep introspection, Herzog eventually gains new insights interms of life, death, and the significance of love and community life. Althoughultimately he does not discover all what he searches for, the quest helps him learn toaccept the reality, to integrate himself into the society and to aspire for a new andtranquil life.The thesis consists of three chapters plus an introduction and a conclusion. Theintroduction part gives an introduction to Bellow’s life, his writing career, his literarystatus. In addition, this part briefly introduces the plot of Herzog, and summarizes theresearches and criticism on Herzog in China and across the world.Chapter One expounds the concept of alienation from the philosophicalperspective. Then taking alienation, a universal topic in literary works of 20thcenturyas cut-in point, this part briefly introduces the alienation theme in Herzog. Chapter Two gives a thorough analysis of Herzog’s alienation, including themanifestation and causes of his alienation. As for manifestation of alienation, thischapter presents a series of Herzog’s behaviors in gender relations and academicresearch life, and his isolation from human communication. Then, this chapteranalyzes the causes of Herzog’s alienation from the following four points: modernindustrial society, Jewish family background, the disingenuous and unreliable people,and the cumbrance of academic study.Chapter Three traces Herzog’s spiritual journey from alienation to restorationand detailed analysis is made of Herzog’s seeking the way out of alienation and theaccomplishment of his restoration. In order to strive for a way out of his tragedy,Herzog writes numerous letters to people in all walks of life about everything thatbewilders him. Herzog’s ceaseless quest and love from family and friends finally helphim overcome alienation and accomplish restoration. On the one hand, he starts toaccept ambiguities and has new insights in terms of life and death. On the other hand,he abandons hatred and forgives his enemies. Finally, he reintegrates himself with thereal world and intends to lead a tranquil life with his lover in the country.The conclusion highlights Saul Bellow’s interpretation of authentic existence inHerzog. The journey that Herzog has taken may be the one that many others aretaking now. It is hoped that they will step out of their anxiety and confusion tocommit themselves to a meaningful and bright existence. |
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