On Kipps's Mental Transmutation In Herbert George Wells's Kipps

Herbert George Wells (1866-1946) is the renowned British novelist and social activist in late 1800's and early 1900's. Kipps is Wells's1 first social novel that achieves high recommendation. Through this work, Wells presents the psychological condition of Kipps who is the protagonist of this novel. What kind of psychological tribulation does Kipps suffer when he is in the period of identity confusion in the complex social transitional environment? What mental journey does he go through in the phase of psychosocial moratorium filled with confusion and hesitation? During the transition from psychosocial moratorium to the stage of identity formation what highlights in Kipps's mentality? These problems will be analyzed one by one in the thesis.Self-identity theory is proposed by American psychologist Erik H. Erikson. In his view, self-identity refers that the individual in the development process gets to understand oneself, becomes mature gradually and ultimately, forms a positive, complete and unified self-concept. Forming an identity is a mental as well as a social process.In the light of self identity theory, with three different phrases as the penetrating point, and mentality as the key word, this thesis explores the mental transmutation during different periods by combining social vicissitudes and the historical context of Edwardian England. To begin with, this thesis gives a literature review and a brief introduction to self-identity theory, Then, this thesis firstly analyzes Kipps's mentality of suffering during the period of identity confusion. Due to personal and social factors, Kipps can not control his destiny and gets compelled into a deep suffering state. Afterwards, it focuses on Kipps's escape in the phase of psychosocial moratorium. As the representative of small men, he feels inferior, hesitative and always tends to escape from reality. Lastly, this thesis examines Kipps's rebellion during the period of identity formation. He is dissatisfied with the reality, then he revolts against the situation. Kipps breaks off his engagement to Helen at last. This kind of rebellion lets him get rid of the control of upper-middle-class represented by Helen. Finally, on the basis of the above analysis, the conclusion clarifies that Wells's creation not only aims to show his concern about the destiny of lower-middle class, but also expresses his reflection on the old order and his anticipation of reform and a new order.