The Seeker Image In Thomas Pynchon's Novels

The seeker image has been constantly developing and changing in the centuries-old inheritance of western literature.The significance of the seeker image and the enlightenment it brings to readers are extremely colorful under the changing times.The seeker image in postmodernist literature has also aroused the interest of researchers because of its �treason� to the traditional seeker image.As a typical representative of postmodernist novels,Pynchon has created the seeker image in his important works.The seekers in his novels are presented to readers in an Anti-noble and Anti-hero posture.This thesis focuses on the seeker image in five novels: Gravity's Rainbow,The Crying of Lot 49,V.,Inherent Vice,Vineland.The thesis is based on text analysis and combines literary tradition,historical context,and Pynchon's personal experience,it explores the origin,type characteristics,shaping methods and significance of the seeker image.In addition to the introduction and conclusion,the thesis is divided into four chapters.The preface introduces the research status of Pynchon's novels in our country and abroad,and points out the research focus,ideas and innovations of this thesis.The first chapter mainly researches the types of seekers in Pynchon's novels.By dividing the seekers into two types according to the different goals and experiences,this thesis makes a detailed analysis of their pursuit characteristics and experience.The second chapter focuses on the methods used by Pynchon to create the seeker image.The analysis is carried out from two dimensions of uncertainty characterization and parody,aiming to make a deep perspective on the seeker image.The third chapter explores the origin of Pynchon's seeker image.Firstly,it examines his inheritance and innovation of the seeker image in the western literary tradition.Secondly,it analyzes the enlightenment significance of American social conditions in 1960 s to Pynchon in shaping the image of pursuers.Finally,it discusses the profound influence of entropy law on shaping the image of pursuerThe fourth chapter studies the value and significance of the seeker image from two aspects: revealing the human existential predicament and reviving the confidence of human existence.On the one hand,the seekers' behavior reveals the predicament of human beings in interpersonal communication and science technology.On the other hand,the seekers achieve the revival of confidence in human existence by breaking through the solidified order and the persistence to true emotions.The conclusion part summarizes the viewpoints of this thesis and emphasizes the important significance of Pynchon in shaping the seeker's image.