A Diaspora Study Of Writing Of Jews And Identity Construction In Saul Bellow’s Seize The Day

Of Saul Bellow’s works on the writing of Jews,Seize the Day is undoubtedly a representative one.The novel depicts the protagonist Wilhelm Adler’s one-day social interactions in New York City,psychological activities,and recollections,providing a portrayal of Jewish immigrants in the American metropolis.From the perspective of diaspora theory,this thesis aims to interpret the life experience and identity anxiety of two generations of Jewish immigrants in the novel.By retracing Saul Bellow’s multi-identities and the historical and cultural significance of Seize the Day,this thesis points out that the main theme Saul Bellow intends to convey is to seize the day and live in the present,advocating that Jewish immigrants should not only adapt to the reality of American society but also value the traditional morality and ethics of Jewish culture.This thesis consists of five parts:The “introduction” part firstly introduces some general facts about Saul Bellow,his writings,and writing features;secondly,a literature review of Seize the Day both at home and abroad;finally,major theoretical views deployed in this paper and the academic significance of this research.Chapter one focuses on Saul Bellow’s writing of Jews on Wilhelm and Dr.Adler,discussing the alluded social reality,Jewish history,and culture.As one of the first generation of American Jewish immigrants,Dr.Adler’s rootless state and eager Americanization make him extremely individualistic and seek the approval of mainstream society,discarding traditional Jewish ethical values and collective idea.On the contrary,despite many obstacles in his pursuit of the American dream,Wilhelm still adheres to the Jewish roots in the family values and the community thoughts.Chapter two analyzes the identity construction of Wilhelm Adler and Dr.Adler,traces the historical and cultural origins,and explores the different values,beliefs,and social norms they share.The hybridization of diaspora identity lays emphasis on assimilation,preservation and generation factor.Dr.Adler chooses to a radical Americanization,but is simultaneously implanted with the bourgeoisie’s private consciousness and egoism.William’s identity construction is divided into two phases.Influenced by cynicism,Wilhelm establishes a false identity.In the latter phase,resisting the indifference,deception,and money worship fostered by a highly capitalist economy and urbanization,Wilhelm returns to his true self,traditional Jewish values,and achieves true identity construction.Chapter three concentrates on a symbolic interpretation of Saul Bellow’s own life experience and his multi-identities.Bellow’s Jewish identity,Russian immigrant family background,and Canadian period have a qualitative impact on his epistemological formation,which are reflected in the identity construction of the two major characters.Seize the Day is not only a reflection of Bellow’s multiple identities,but also his pondering over all American Jews’ identity construction.The “conclusion” part highlights the theme—“seize the day”.As the keynote of this novel,“seize the day” dissolves American Jewish immigrants’ anxiety over identity,survival,life and death.Through Bellow’s portrayal of two generations of immigrants,it can be proved that assimilation tactics and uncritical Americanization often come at a heavy cost in abandoning Jewishness,traditional Jewish ethics,and values,which is accompanied by a deeper dispersion of the entire Jewish community and total obedience to the spirit and norms of capitalist society.Herein,Bellow appeals for the philosophy of "seizing the day",proposes a return to the Jewish family values and community thought,and advocates fraternity,forgiveness,and peace to counter the negative social influence and spiritual manipulation.