Abstract: The thesis mainly makes a detailed analysis of the causes of the theme of solitude in Carson McCullers’s novel The Member of the Wedding. On one hand, it focuses on the influence of American social background at that time from three aspects as racial segregation, breakdown in communication and loss of the sense of belonging; on the other hand, it points out that the impact of McCullers’s personal life should not be ignored. Through the analysis, the thesis demonstrates that with the creation of solitude theme, McCullers tries to help people out of solitude, to pursue love and understanding, and to rebuild meaningful contact.

Key words: The Member of the Wedding, the theme of solitude, analysis of the causes of solitude

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction...1

1.1 Introduction to Carson McCullers

1.2 Introduction to The Member of the Wedding

2. Literature Review...2

3. Causes of Solitude in the Novel.3

    3.1 Social Background 

   3.1.1 Racial Segregation

   3.1.2 Breakdown in Communication

   3.1.3 Loss of the Sense of Belonging

3.2 McCullers’s Personal Life

   3.2.1 Lonely Childhood

   3.2.2 Gender Identity Disorder

4. Conclusion .10

Bibliography..12

Acknowledgements..13