The Development Of Saul Bellow's Existential Philosophy Embodied In Dangling Man Herzog

The American Jewish writer Saul Bellow is known for his constant concern for the spiritual crisis of modern men and his insightful interpretation of individuals, the society and human existence. The protagonists of his novels are all suffering jokers facing the spiritual crisis of their lifetime and they fight a lonely battle to salvage themselves, that is, to justify their humble existence, to find the meaning of their existence.This thesis, which is divided into two chapters, intends to give a thorough analysis of the self-salvation of the two heroes in Bellow's novels Dangling Man and Herzog and to compare the two modes of salvation, in order to find out the development of Bellow's views on the meaning of individual existence.Chapter one gives a detailed exploration of Joseph's search for meaning of existence. To begin with, this chapter will analyze the agonies Joseph suffers from mentally. Then the author attempts to explore the means of Joseph's self-salvation and his efforts to fight with his nihilistic thoughts and the meaninglessness of life. The next part of the chapter will be devoted to discussions of Joseph's conflicting thoughts before he chose to give up his efforts. The whole process of searching for meaning of existence is an attempt to justify his existence, yet sadly, the novel ends painfully when Joseph gave up his freedom. Through the analysis, it is easy to find out that existentialism has a deep influence on Dangling Man. The philosophy of Sartre's existentialism is deeply entrenched in Joseph's mind. He believes that life is meaningless and hopeless.Chapter two aims to give a thorough analysis of Herzog's mental quest for the meaning of individual existence. To begin with, this chapter will analyze Herzog's spiritual crisis, which leads him to quest for his self and the meaning of his existence. To understand the world that he suddenly finds chaotic, he set on the road to quest. Therefore the next part of the chapter will be devoted to the journey of Herzog's self-salvation. Because Herzog chose to accept reality in the end, he achieved inner peace and reconciled with the reality. Therefore, the last part of the chapter will explore the reasons that have made Herzog successful in his quest, to some extent. Through the analysis of Herzog's mental quest, it can be found out that Bellow's views on human existence and the means to achieve self-salvation have changed. They become more optimistic and advocate accepting the reality and self.Through the comparison of the portraits of the two heroes and their mental journeys toward self-salvation, the author finds out there's an evolution of Bellow's general views on individual existence. He discarded his former belief in existentialism and formed his own philosophy towards existence, that is, life is not meaningless and the meaning of life can be created through the acceptance of reality and through the affirmation of individual existence.