Post-Industrial Urban Crisis In Ian McEwan's Saturday

Ian McEwan(1948-) is a distinguished contemporary novelist in Britain. In his works, he pays special attention to the shifting complexities of the world, and always shows his concern for people at times of crisis and shock. Published in 2005, his Saturday is one of them. Based on the narrative of the flaneur Henry Perowne during his meandering through the London city, this novel reflects many problems of the cities in the post-industrial society.Through discussing the protagonist's multifarious urban experience, this thesis aims to explore the urban crises brought about by the accelerating urbanization and the particular emphasis of social development on consumption and science in the post-industrial society. First, the thesis examines individual's insecure life in the city. Through analyzing the Perownes' anxiety towards terrorist attacks after 9/11 and the urban violence Perowne encounters, this thesis argues that the rapid development of mass media and the breakup of the traditional basis of social solidarity in the process of urbanization aggravate people's sense of insecurity in cities. Besides, the capitalized urban space is discussed. By analyzing citizens' alienation in the homogenized buildings and Perowne's reification in the commercial streets, this thesis argues that the capitalization of urban space in the process of urbanization brings about spiritual crises of citizens. Furthermore, this thesis explores the intensified conflict between “The Two Cultures” through the analysis of Perowne's worship in scientific culture and his rejection of literature. It argues that the dominance of science in social development makes people neglect the hidden evils of science and the values of literature.In conclusion, by depicting a poem resolving the ultimate crisis, McEwan expresses his faith in literature and its redemptive power in crisis. He tries to evoke people to concern about their own authentic experience. Furthermore, he attempts to make people realize the divided emotional intensities between individual and urban life, which is out of people's inability to deal with the post-industrial urban crises, and expresses his wonderful hope for a more harmonious society in the future.