THE PATTERN OF FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS IN FOUR SELECTED NOVELS OF SAUL BELLOW

• Main Author: HUQ, ABI MOHAMMAD NIZAMUL
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Subjects: literature, american

Scope of Study. Although some critics have commented on the treatment of the family in Saul Bellow's fiction, very few of them have dealt with the theme at considerable length. Moreover, Bellow's writing published after the completion of the studies of Molly Stark Wieting (1969) and Bessie Michael (1970) warrant a fresh investigation of Bellow's opinions regarding the family. This dissertation explores the pattern of family relationships in four selected novels of Saul Bellow, namely, The Victim, Seize the Day, The Adventures of Augie March, and Henderson the Rain King. Bellow's other novels, short stories, plays, non-fiction, and critical writings are also taken into consideration.
Findings and Conclusions. Contrary to what some critics believe, Bellow does not show that the institution of the family is decaying. On the contrary, he feels that the family is a vital institution, capable of ministering to the protagonist's emotional and spiritual needs. Bellow feels that the family is a microcosm for the whole world of humanity. The Bellovian protagonist has to undergo a crisis before he realizes that love for the family is merely the prelude to the love for humanity. Normally, his family feelings develop in course of his quest. If he is already endowed with family sense at the outset, his quest helps him in achieving an enriched relationship with the whole of humanity.