Preserving Jewishness In America:a Spatial Analysis Of More Die Of Heartbreak

Saul Bellow,the first Jewish American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature,is a productive writer famous for his subtle analysis of contemporary culture.Bellow depicts many protagonists suffering from interpersonal problems.In his More Die of Heartbreak,the male protagonist Benn Crader also experiences this anxiety.This thesis will employ theories of space and human relations to analyze why Benn suffers from amorous heartbreak and defeated socialities.Being suffocated in abstract space,he is reduced to an impotent and passive man.In order to regain his power,he should preserve his Jewish identity in the modem society.Aside from the Introduction and the Conclusion,this thesis consists of three chapters.The introductory part gives a literature review on Saul Bellow and an overview of the theories on space and power relations.Henry Lefebvre considers that space has different periods.People are suffocated in abstract space while absolute space gives them comfort.And Michel Foucault suggests that power relations can be repressive or productive.Chapter 1 mainly examines different kinds of love relationships.Unlike Rudi keeping good relations with many women or Kenneth having power to protect himself from harm,Benn is gradually deprived of power by Della,Caroline and Matilda.Since his small apartment cannot protect him from female injury,he should leave America and flee to foreign places where plants studies give him comfort and confidence.Chapter 2 explores the other in social space.Benn cannot accept the money worship and unlimited greed of Vilitzer and the Layamons.He is also uncomfortable with modern buildings,boring TV or films,and artificial products.These repressive power relations and abstract production reduce him into a powerless outsider.Chapter 3 discusses the reconstruction of Benn's self-identity.When he realizes his failure in love and social relations because of the deprivation of traditional Jewishness,he escapes to absolute space for comfort.And he tries to obtain Jewishness again in order to live in modern America.It is really important for Jews to preserve their Jewishness while accepting their American identity.