On The Variation Of Sphinx Factor In The Winter Of Our Discontent

In The Winter of Our Discontent, Steinbeck shows us a scene of transformation and combination between the Animal Factor and Human Factor, which makes the confrontation of Free Will and Rational Will. Consequently, reveal Ethan’s ethical consciousness and his final ethical identity.This dissertation is divided into three parts. The first part mainly analyzes the persistence of Ethan’s rational will at first is because of the human factor have empire over animal factor. The second part focuses on the confrontation of human factor and animal factor, and the shifting between rational will and free will. The third part is mainly explains how does the rational will final come back and refine the value of morality apocalypse. Overall, this dissertation is on the premise of making clear the concept of humanity, from the perspective of ethical literary criticism to reinterpretation the ethical value in The Winter of Our Discontent. And then analyze the reason why human factor and animal factor vary continuously with the changes of the environment. Finally, the serial of analysis will reveal the ethical value which presented by John Steinbeck.