Abstract: Carson McCullers is a prominent writer in American history. She is also the most representative figure of southern literature with a very unique style. Her masterpiece The Heart is a Lonely Hunter made her the bright star in the literature world. Isolation, loneliness, poverty, unable to communication, and despair permeate her entire work. 

This essay will try to explore the absolutely theme loneliness by analyzing all the characters and connecting her life experience, also taking the southern culture into consideration. Carson McCullers used an extreme way to express her concern and sympathy towards the exploited class and people in need, and firmly believed that a radical reform is greatly needed.

Key words: McCullers Southern American literature 

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Loneliness Rooted in the Novel2

  2.1 Analysis of Characters

2.1.1 Jake Blount

2.1.2 Dr. Benedict Mady Copeland

2.1.3 John Singer

  2.2 Symbols

2.2.1 Mick’s Violin

2.2.2 Dreams

3. Salvation Concealed in the Loneliness6

   3.1 Struggling against Isolation

   3.2 Religion as Self-delusion

   3.3 Heroism

4. Conclusion8

Bibliography9

Acknowledgments10