The Self-redemption In The Dilemma Of Existence

John Steinbeck(1902-1968)is one of the famous American novelists of the 20th century.He creates many great works during his life.And The Winter of Our Discontent is his last full-length novel.By narrating a series of events that happen to the protagonist Ethan Allen Hawley,the novel successfully constructs an absurd world where money is supreme and spirit is empty,which shows Steinbeck’s concern for the human living condition.Since the publication of The Winter of Our Discontent,scholars have interpreted the novel from different perspectives and realized some achievements.However,a few scholars have studied The Winter of Our Discontent from the perspective of Jean-Paul Sartre’s existentialism.Based on Sartre’s existentialism,this thesis attempts to interpret the protagonist Ethan’s self-redemption in the dilemma of existence in The Winter of Our Discontent by using three basic concepts of "absurdity","alienation" and "free choice".This thesis mainly consists of five chapters.Chapter One is an introduction to the thesis.It briefly introduces John Steinbeck and The Winter of Our Discontent and clarifies the relevant studies abroad and at home as well as the theoretical basis of the thesis.Subsequently,this chapter also points out the research significance and the structure of the thesis.Chapter Two reveals the absurdity of Ethan’s world on the basis of the concept of absurdity of existentialism.People’s feverish pursuit of money,the decay of the traditional values and the deterioration of the living environment all demonstrate the absurdity of Ethan’s world.And this absurdity ultimately leads to Ethan’s dilemma of existence.Chapter Three adopts Sartre’s concept of alienation to explain Ethan’s deadlock of alienation,showing Ethan’s existential dilemma.Ethan’s dilemma is mainly reflected in the alienation of Ethan’s interpersonal relationships and his self-alienation.In the absurd world,Ethan’s friends keep seducing Ethan for more benefits.And Ethan’s family members constantly exert pressure on Ethan from the inside because of poverty.There are many conflicts and contradictions between Ethan and the people around him,which make Ethan’s existence suffer from serious threats.To avoid harm and eliminate loneliness,Ethan falls into bad faith.He gives up his free will and plays the role of a money-grubber.Thus,he does all kinds of sinful acts,which causes his degradation of morality and disregard for the law.This eventually leads to Ethan’s complete alienation.Ethan is detached from his true self,thus putting him in a more serious dilemma of existence.Chapter Four draws on the viewpoint of free choice to explain Ethan’s self-redemption in the dilemma of existence.In an absurd world,Ethan falls into the deadlock of alienation and is troubled by the dilemma of existence.But the guilt caused by committing all kinds of evil deeds always tortures him.Thus,Ethan ultimately wakes up from the state of alienation and faces up to his dilemma and degeneration.He makes various free choices in line with his will and assumes corresponding responsibilities.In the end,Ethan achieves spiritual freedom,gets rid of the shackles of dilemma and realizes self-redemption.Chapter Five is a conclusion,which summarizes the main content of this thesis.By interpreting Ethan’s self-redemption in the dilemma of existence in The Winter of Our Discontent,readers can understand that Steinbeck’s description of Ethan’s experience actually shows his firm confidence in human beings,highlighting his humanistic thoughts.This also encourages people to face up to difficulties,make positive choices for their lives and take responsibilities accordingly.To sum up,this thesis employs Sartre’s existentialism to analyze Ethan’s selfredemption in the dilemma of existence in The Winter of Our Discontent,which can make readers have a better understanding of this work and Steinbeck’s concern for human existence.Meanwhile,the study also attempts to explore the way to obtain redemption in an absurd world,hoping to provide some references for individuals who are eager to get rid of the dilemma of existence.