Solitude, Self-reliance And Escape

Arrowsmith is considered as Sinclair Lewis’ s semi-autobiography novel and wins the Pulitzer Prize in 1926. Taking doctors as its subject, the novel succeeds in depicting an idealized image of doctor. The protagonist Martin Arrowsmith devotes all his life to pure scientific research. However, he fails to bear the trend of seeking after fame and gain as well as the utilitarianism of the society, so he finally returns to nature to continue medical study. Lewis satirizes ruthlessly the morbid social values, and his excellent ironic techniques draw close attention of most critics. But most critics have overlooked the influence of transcendentalism on this novel. This thesis argues that transcendentalism has a far-reaching influence on Lewis’ s whole life and his literary creation which is displayed fully in Arrowsmith. Transcendentalism’ significant influence on Sinclair Lewis’ Arrowsmith manifests in this novel’s unique end and Martin’s characteristics: the enjoyment of loneliness, the pursuit of independence and the yearning for nature.First of all, the transcendental idea of enjoying the solitude has gone through the process of his medical study and his whole life. Arrowsmith faces loneliness all alone and enjoys the freedom of it. Besides, while he is accompanied by solitude, he equips himself with transcendental individualism and self-reliance spirit. By relying on his own efforts, he eventually makes a breakthrough in medical research. Finally, since he cannot stand and change the social corruptive values, he chooses to escape to nature. This novel’s end which takes Thoreau’s escape to the Walden as a prototype, presents Sinclair’s view on nature and his romantic spirit. Escaping to nature is a way of reconciliation between the real and the ideal, which makes it possible to present the idealized image of doctors vividly. Lewis’ s ideal self-image becomes clearer through the elaborate analysis and the presentation of the transcendentalism thought in this novel.