Abstract

Carson McCullers, one of the most prominent female writers of American South in the 20th century, has made great contribution not only to the literature in the South but also to the world. She creates a large number of literary works. Among them, some works describe the psychology and experience of adolescent girls who are in the stage between childhood and adulthood, and these works display their painful struggles for identities in the patriarchal society. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter is one of them. 

This essay gives a further interpretation of the growth of the young girl Mick Kelly and find out the fundamental reasons of her final tragedy. This essay will be divided into five parts. The first part gives a brief introduction to Carson McCullers and the book The Heart is a Lonely Hunter and discusses about the literature review. The second part analyzes Mick’s confusion in clothing, acting and speaking. The third part analyzes the process of Mick’s transition from a girl to an adult. The fourth part discusses about Mick’s concession to the society and the fundamental reasons of her change. And the last part makes a conclusion.

Key Words: Carson McCullers; female identity; growth; failure

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 An Introduction to Carson McCullers-1

1.2 An Introduction to The Heart is a Lonely Hunter-1

1.3 Literature Review-2

2. Confusion: Being a Tomboy-5

2.1 Mick’s Neutral Style of Clothing-5

2.2 Mick’s Boyish Way of Acting and Speaking-6

3. Transition: Searching for Female Identity-8

3.1 The Initiation Party-8

3.2 The Loss of Virginity-9

4. Failure: Yielding to the Society-11

4.1 Mick’s Sacrifice for Her Family-11

4.2 Fundamental Reasons for Mick’s Change-12

4.2.1 Southern Belle as Ideal Feminity-12

4.2.2 The Economic Condition of South America-13

5. Conclusion-15

References-16