Uncertainty Of Identity: Abnormality Or Normality?

Postmodernist fiction is characterized by its uncertainty and its experimental play of language. As one of the most influential representative in postmodern literature, as well as the most controversial one, Donald Barthelme is best known for his astonishing use of language and writing techniques. However, under the surface of the seemingly absurd play of language and fragmented plots, Barthelme is actually a writer of consistent vision and serious intention. The loss, quest for and construction of individual identity is one of his major thematic concerns. Identity issue takes many forms in Barthelme's short stories and he rejects formula for identities in both life and art.With Adorno's Critical Existence Theory as its theoretical basis, this thesis acknowledges Barthelme's humanity concerns and the instructive function of his fictions in the construction of modern people's individual identities.This thesis consists of three chapters excluding the introduction and conclusion:Chapter One proposes that "identity" should be viewed as a cultural construct during whose process of being many factors co-function such as one's educational and social experiences. What's more, each individual should view his identity construction not as a static concept but an ever-changing process affected by various uncertain elements such as social transformation, progressive globalization and pluralism of values. Therefore, it is vital to be aware that uncertainty is the essence of individual identity.Chapter Two is the analysis of pessimistic views about uncertainty by means of looking into manifestations of identity uncertainty in Barthelme's stories. Modern people who suffer from identity crisis or identity-related anxieties may hold hostile views about uncertainty and consider it as the root of their identity problems. Some view certainty as normality and use it as a tool of dominating others. But those pessimists are wrong in that the ultimate goal of pursuit for identity certainty is to dominate people by eliminating human individuality and social differentiation.Chapter Three applies Theodor Adorno's Critical Existence Theory in criticism of people's pursuit for certainty. Adorno shows strong objection to pessimism about identity uncertainty by indicating that certainty is actually an invisible restraint to the freedom of humanity. Only by total refusal and elimination of absolute certainty, can other possibilities emerge to liberate individuality and human nature. Barthelme shares Adorno's attitude toward certainty and uncertainty of identity and further proposes in his tales that the only way to establish one's unique identity is to face the uncertain world with creativeness and hold firmly onto their own beliefs no matter what is imposed on them.In brief, this thesis hopes to help open up new awareness of the thematic concerns of Barthelme's fictions via analysis of his identity stories and encourage modern people to use their creative imagination to conquer their uncertainty-oriented anxieties and thus construct their unique identity.