Incentives,Dysfunctions And Undercurrents

Ernest Miller Hemingway was one of the most representative “Lost Generation”novelists.He is well known for using his “iceberg principle” and concise writing style as well as his keen interest in exploring “death”.He believes that “death has its own kind of beauty” and “living bravely” is significant,so that he faces death as a “tough guy”.The Nick Adams Stories is regarded as an autobiographical short story collection of Hemingway's,in which Nick,the protagonist,motivates the evolution of his death instinct by exploring and thinking about death.From the perspective of death instinct theory,it can be seen that Hemingway describes a series of reactions of people when facing death.Fear and fleeing,are but two examples.These reactions represent the characters' psychological changes and attitudes toward death,as well as Nick's effort in finding the truth of death.The thesis consists of five parts.The introduction gives an account of Hemingway's life and works,the research background and purpose,as well as the significance of the thesis.It also gives a brief introduction to death instinct theory and the structure of the thesis.Chapter Two expounds the five mighty incentives from the external conflicts of Nick in the light of death instinct theory,showing the points of motivation of death instinct in Nick from boyhood to manhood.This chapter also provides the inner link of the five incentives from the angle of symbolism.Chapter Three analyzes Nick's dysfunctions under death instinct by applying Freudian psychoanalytic theory,including external aggression,internal aggression and repetitive behaviors.Seen from this perspective Nick's death consciousness can be well understood.Chapter Four analyzes the defense mechanisms under death instinct of Nick.The mechanisms include denial and sublimation.It shows the progress of reaching balance between Nick's death instinct and life instinct,representing Hemingway's attitude towards death.Chapter Five is the conclusion part.Hemingway uses Nick in The Nick Adams Stories,the representative of the “Lost Generation”,to illustrate his exploration on and attitude towards death.He suggests that people should face up to death and live bravely.