An Interpretation Of Naturalistic Characterization In Of Human Bondage

William Somerset Maugham is a novelist, playwright and essayist from the late 19 th century to the mid-20 th century, who makes a profound impact on the literary world. His works hold good reputation around the world. As a writer who is on the intersection from traditional to modern society, Maugham not only inherits British realist traditions on fiction, but also accepts the influence of naturalism under the atmosphere of that era. Of Human Bondage, Liza of Lambeth, The Moon and Sixpence, Blade and other popular, well-known works provide practical significance to modern and contemporary literary creation and social reform. Of Human Bondage is the autobiographical writing of Maugham, focusing on how to get rid of religious practices and old conventions in order to seek the true meaning of life in a chaos swirling turbulence of life.The transition of the times, the intensive conflicts of the scientific and philosophical concepts as well as his own life experiences at that time greatly influence the naturalistic ideas embodied in Maugham’s works. This paper attempts to focus on Maugham’s view of naturalistic characterization as a starting point, to make use of naturalistic theory to analyze the characters, thus to reveal Maugham’s naturalistic writing style. That is to expose and criticize the dark and social injustice, to dig deeply the hidden complexity of human nature and to pursue the reconstruction and success of the spiritual home. This paper also analyzes the innovation and contribution of Maugham’s naturalism, Maugham’s creation injects new vitality for the development of realistic fiction. Maugham enjoys a high reputation during the shift process from traditional realism to modernism. This paper has both theoretical and practical significance. Maugham’s naturalistic writing style has a profound impact on other contemporary writers, whose naturalist viewpoint as a profound significance on the harmonious relationship between man and nature.This thesis consists of three parts: introduction, main body and conclusion. Its main contents are as follows:The first part is the introduction, which provides a brief overview of Maugham and his works, as well as his naturalism tendency. This part explains the current research of Maugham’s works, describes the significance of use of his naturalist point of view in the novel Of Human Bondage.The main body is composed of three chapters:Chapter One mainly describes the establishment of naturalism, including its features and origins. It also clearly depicts the background of the novel and Maugham’s naturalism tendency. Of Human Bondage is laurelled as one of the most representative works that probes deeply into humanity, which embodies the ideologies of the French naturalist Zola who is good at analyzing humanity and the society with calmness and meticulousness. He puts an emphasis on the combination of science and literature as well as the authenticity. Maugham inherits and develops the naturalism from him in acritical transitional period of time.Chapter Two regards the main character Philip’s life experiences as the research object, analyzing the reflection of naturalistic ideology of Maugham in Of Human Bondage. During the hero’s whole life, he experiences emotional shackles, religious shackles and economic bondage and then tries to pursue freedom as to find the meaning of life. Through analysis, Maugham carries out naturalism in the characterization. Consistent with the principles of naturalistic creation, Maugham’s natural tendencies are mainly expressed in the following aspects: Firstly, people are described as natural animals stimulated by physiological instincts, and they boldly express the human passions, and thus reflecting the bourgeois moral depravity and corruption. Secondly, the realities of life are more extensive showed in the novel, such as, the true living conditions of people in poor lower class. Besides, Maugham shows the effects of the environment on the characters. In addition, Maugham seeks for the creation full of an objective attitude and scientific perspective by depicting the fetters of Philip.Chapter Three attaches importance to Maugham’s origin, innovation and breakthrough of naturalism. Maugham utilizes naturalism to expose the society and humanity. His innovations include the paradox between existence and nihility, the conflict between tradition and modernity and the social absurdity and human alienation. Maugham puts great emphasis on the vivid plot, there exists expression to painful life and absurd reality. Maugham’s language is characterized by clarity and simplicity. The Of Human Bondage enrolls many aspects of the western society in the Victorian period of time. Faced with the living situation, the characters go on a journey to spiritual exploration and reveal the veil of human nature with purified spirit.The last part is conclusion, which is aimed to sum up the whole thesis and to elevate Maugham’s literary naturalistic viewpoint as well as his caring of humanity. It gives a high evaluation on Maugham’s realistic significance. It is of great necessity for people to get close to nature and pursue a spiritual sublimation by getting rid of the bondage and seeking freedom and individuality. His naturalistic viewpoint provides an instructive significance for the harmonious relationship between human beings and nature, and leaves a far-reaching and profound effect on people’s self-transcendence with a higher spiritual pursuit. Of Human Bondage is the outpouring of the natural tendency of Maugham which stresses the importance of Maugham’s depiction of figures in his writing style. With a permanent charm, the novel inspires people to struggle, to pursue freedom, to get out of bondage, and to achieve the harmony between man and nature.