| Ian McEwan is one of the greatest English novelists and screenwriters.With 14 novels behind him and numerous awards,he has been honored as one of “the 50 greatest British writers since 1945”.Varied studies are dedicated to the works of Ian McEwan at home and aboard.Throughout his career,ethics have been McEwan's major concern.His reflection on ethical matters has been revealed thoroughly in Atonement and Sweet Tooth.By now,some scholars have already paid attention to the abundant themes and exquisite writing skills embodied in McEwan's works,but only a few have explored the ethical implications.By putting Atonement and Sweet Tooth together,this dissertation aims to make a thorough inquiry of the ethical dilemma in two works.As a major clue of these two novels,revelation of ethical dilemmas reflects McEwan's insights on ethical matters.Chapter One illustrates ethical dilemma in Atonement.Following the ethical line of Briony's sin and atonement,it endeavors to find out the reasons that lead to characters' ethical dilemma.Chapter Two reveals the complexity of ethical dilemma in Sweet Tooth,which is mainly due to the conflict between social ethics and one's identity.Chapter Three endeavors to explore the thematic significance of the ethical dilemmas.The difficulty for an individual to get out of ethical dilemma and obtain freedom exactly reflects the preciousness of freedom.By comparing the destiny of the characters in Atonement and Sweet Tooth,we can easily realize the great power of empathy.And empathy can be achieved via literary writing.Through textual reading of these two works,this dissertation aims to analyze the ethical dilemma so as to explore the human nature,comprehend McEwan's understanding of morality and finally draw some enlightenment to resolve the ethical predicaments in our modern times. |
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