Abstract

Herzog is one of the works written by the famous American Jewish novelist, Saul Bellow. Living in the age of anxiety, his novels mainly depict the intellectuals’ spiritual crisis and alienation. The protagonist in Herzog is a college professor. He is a sensitive and kind man, but is often shattered in the reality world. The increasing complex society, his ambivalent values and the lack of love throw him in despair. His mind is on the edge of breakdown. He begins to wander not only in body but also in spirit. This kind of life truly reflects the middle-class intellectuals’ loss and confusion in the modern material-orientated society. 

This thesis focuses on the causes of the protagonist’s mental disorder from the perspective of Freudian theory of personality and proves the importance of having an integrated personality. According to Freud, this theory is composed of the id, the ego and the superego. This thesis tries to undertake a psychoanalytic study of Herzog using Freudian theory of personality. Three causes of Herzog’s mental disorder are explained in detail. Although Herzog is out of tune with the real world, he never give up the pursuit of his own value and the meaning of life. At last, Herzog finds the countryside is the most peaceful place to live with his lover Ramona. 

    Key Words: Herzog; Freudian theory of personality; disorder; conflict

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1 Introduction-1

2 Transformation of external social environment-2

3 Conflict with internal Jewish values5

4 Failure to seek for love from surrounding people-7

4.1 Breakdown of his marriages-7

4.2 Betrayal of his best friend-8

4.3 Self-centredness of his friends-9

5 Conslusion-11

References-13