On The Tragedy Of Superman In Jack London's Novels

Jack London is an outstanding critical realistic writer in the late 19 th century.He has gained prestigious reputation for the rich contents of success and adventure.His novels have lost none of its irresistible charm.London's creation is deeply influenced by the complex ideological and cultural environment in the transitional period,and his unique growth experience also leaves an indelible imprint on his works.With his open mind and writing style,he blends various theories with his life experience and integrates many kinds of philosophies into his works.Friedrich Nietzsche,a great German philosopher whose superman philosophy becomes a driving force to stimulate London in pursuit of his dream,makes a profound impact on both London's thought and his creation.It is not difficult to find that the superman philosophy serves as the distinct theme included in most of his novels.However,Jack London is unable to calmly set up a perfect ending for his novels on account of the turbulent social environment and miserable living condition.Hence he ends his stories with tragedies by means of Nietzsche's view of tragedy,through which we can discover London's gradual change in his understanding of superman philosophy.Taking London's three novels of different periods as examples,of which are The Call of the Wild,White Fang and Martin Eden,this thesis explores the superman's tragedy based on Nietzsche's superman philosophy and view of tragedy.Thus it further reveals the reason for superman's tragedy by way of expounding the progressive effect of superman philosophy on Jack London in order to appeal people to pay more attention to the living condition of human beings.This thesis is composed of three parts: introduction,body and conclusion.The introduction part presents Jack London's life,his works,the significance of the study and the literature review both at home and abroad.The body part is divided into four chapters: Chapter one generalizes Nietzsche's philosophies and London's multiple beliefs.Taking the character of Buck in The Call of the Wild as an example,Chapter two explores the prototype of superman and London's belief in superman philosophy by discussing how Buck becomes a superman.Based on White Fang,Chapter three analyzes the helplessness and hesitation of the protagonist in his struggle against the choice between barbarism and civilization.Eventually,White Fang chooses to return to the civilized world,which reflects London's introspection of superman philosophy and his concern about the superman's living environment.Chapter Four presents the character in Martin Eden who strives hard to become a writer but ends up his ephemeral life by committing suicide at last.The disillusionment of his dream reveals the inevitability of superman's tragedy.The conclusion summarizes the whole thesis and points out London's intention of his creation,through which we can better understand the artistic features and realistic significance of his novels.The study of superman's tragedy in Jack London's novels contributes to distinguish the differences between humanity and reality so that it can appeal us to show our concern for the meaning of existence and give more spiritual care to human beings.Furthermore,the thesis warns us that we will never find an ideal spiritual home unless we cognize our own value and true meaning of life.