Seize The Day—affirmation Of Humanity In Existential Predicaments

This thesis is presented through analyzing the protagonist in Seize the Day, Tommy Wilhelm, with existential humanism of Jean Paul Sartre. It argues that Wilhelm, a Jew, is facing his various existential predicaments in his mid-forties, living in the chaotic world obsessed with commodity and alienated from others and doubting about self, yet trying to seek his self-worth and keep the value of Jewish ethics in order to create the meaning of his life and himself. This affirms humanity in existential predicaments. The author of the novel, Saul Bellow dramatizes his thought of man's existence in the modern time which fully shows the influence of Sartrean existentialism over him.The thesis consists of six parts.Introduction is the first part. To begin with, Bellow's ethnic background and his American experience in modern society promote Bellow to quest of man's existential meaning and valuate Jewish ethics. Secondly, the current study of Seize the Day is introduced. Thirdly, it is the significance of the thesis and the applied theory in the thesis. The author, in the light of existential humanism of Jean Paul Sartre, analyses Wilhelm, a Jew, with the consciousness of Jewish ethics,defends himself by his action in desperation, which asserts humanity in existential plights. It is in accordance with the dogma of the freedom of choosing in the absurd world which is the kernel of existential humanism by Sartre.Chapter One shows Wilhelm is in existential predicaments. Wilhelm lives in the chaotic world isolated from the society and his family members, being suspicious of himself.Chapter Two is a detailed analysis of Wilhelm's seeking self-worth in absurdity. He chooses his dreams in the frequent failures and resists the commodity-obsessed world. This is the freedom of choosing in absurdity.Chapter Three shows Wilhelm, with firm belief in family values, searches for his family's solicitude in conflict. Jewish family values have great impact on Wilhelm. The lack of love from his biological father and his wife forces him in the pursuit of his spiritual father and his lover. This is the freedom of choosing in the existential condition of lack.Chapter Four discusses Wilhelm's quest of self–surpassing in desperation. With belief in community, he recovers himself from alienation. Facing a stranger's death and the collapse of his life, he self-creates his significance in the nothingness. This is the freedom of choosing in abandonment and despair.Conclusion is the last part. Wilhelm defends his dignity with his action, which reflects the freedom of choosing and his consciousness of the Jewish ethics. In this way, humanity is affirmed in existential crises.