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Author: QiYan
Tutor: XuWenPei
School: Heilongjiang University
Course: English Language and Literature
Keywords: Invisible Man novel of initiation alienation
CLC:
Type: Master's thesis
Year: 2010
Downloads: 487
Quote: 0
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Abstract

Ralph Ellison, a famous black contemporary writer, wrote only one novel during his life, i.e. Invisible Man. It is the book that wins honor for Ellison and establishes his important position in African American literature. In this thesis, the growth of the protagonist will be demonstrated in great detail from the perspective of novel of initiation. Ellison explores the theme of alienation through the revelation of the tough conditions under which the protagonist grows up. The author of the thesis holds the view that the changing environments provide the motive for the growth of the protagonist, thus the thesis opens a new dimension for the study of Invisible Man.The thesis is made up of three chapters. Chapter One introduces the synopsis of Invisible Man, the derivation and evolution of American novel of initiation, as well as its distinctive structural characteristics and heritage from the features of traditional novel of initiation. Chapter Two studies the overall process of growth of the protagonist according to the plots of temptation→escape→perplexity→epiphany. Chapter Three introduces the guides in his growth into maturity. By analyzing the guides who accompany the protagonist in his growth from immaturity to maturity, we come to realize that people in modern society, regardless of their skin color and race (including both the white and the black), are all confronted with void in spirit and deterioration in humanity. All these guides, especially those negative guides, bring the protagonist numerous obstacles for his growth. However, it is such a cruel reality that helps the young people to turn mature quickly and enables him to familiarize himself with the society as well as with himself simultaneously, hence the growth as a process is completed.

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Abstract

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