Abstract:Norman Mailer is regarded as one of the greatest American writers in the 20th century. He won the Pulitzer Prize twice. Mailer is considered an innovator of creative nonfiction, sometimes called New Journalism, which uses the style and devices of literary fiction in fact-based journalism. Mailer's many works have been inseparable from the discussion of totalitarianism. The Deer Park is a further continuation of the theme. The novel depicts the absurd and extravagance of the Hollywood film industry, showing the American social life under the power struggle. 

The paper consists of three parts. The first is the realistic causes and manifestations of totalitarianism. The second is the presentation of totalitarianism in characterization from multiple perspectives. The last is the thought on the current situation of American society. This thesis attempts to make an analysis of totalitarianism in the novel by exposing the influence of totalitarianism on American society. It aims to reveal the survival crisis faced by American people under the domination of power, in order to better understand the theme of the novel.

Keywords:  Norman Mailer  The Deer Park  Totalitarianism

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Literature Review-1

1.1 Introduction to Norman Mailer-1

1.2 Introduction to The Deer Park-1

1.3 Present Research on Norman Mailer-2

Chapter Two Totalitarianism-4

2.1 Definition of Totalitarianism-4

2.2 Rise of Totalitarianism in America-4

2.3 Characteristics of Totalitarianism-5

Chapter Three Different Manifestations of Totalitarianism-7

3.1 From the Ruling Class-7

3.1.1 Political Domination-7

3.1.2 Cultural Domination-8

3.2 From the Aspect of the Oppressed Class-9

3.2.1 Fear and Desire for Power-9

3.2.2 Compromise and Surrender to Power-9

3.2.3 Desolation of the Emotional World-11

Chapter Four Influence of Totalitarianism-13

4.1 Positive Influence-13

4.2 Negative Influence-13

Chapter Five Conclusion-14

References-15