An Exploration Of Todd Andrew’s Self-Construction In The Floating Opera From The Perspective Of The Uncanny Theory

John Barth(1930-)is an experimental writer who plays an important role in the history of American literature.He is also regarded as one of the representative writers of postmodern fiction.The Floating Opera is Barth?s first novel and nominated for the National Book Award in 1956.The novel tells the story about a lawyer,Todd Andrews,in the process of finding the truth of his father?s death and looking for a new life for himself.Scholars abroad have not only made rich studies on Barth?s life and works,but also analyzed the themes in Barth?s works profoundly,which include existentialism,nihilism,metafiction and black humor.Researches at home on Barth have not been carried out thoroughly,and there are relatively few related researches.From the perspective of the uncanny theory,this paper analyzes the death image and Todd?s behavioral changes with the technique of “double” in The Floating Opera.Besides,this paper explores the process of Todd?s self-construction by analyzing his behavioral changes,which enriches the researches of The Floating Opera.Todd changes from a prodigal to a hope seeker with a lot of behavioral changes in the process.The process of “self-doubt” to “self-construction” implied in Todd?s behavioral changes also reflects the post-war situation of the whole American society.Although the post-war society seems lifeless,and people lose confidence in life,the completion of Todd?s self-construction means that people can still find their way to hope in desperate society.The paper can offer readers a fresh perspective into The Floating Opera and a deeper understanding of theme of the novel.