Postmodernism In The Life Of Main Character In Passos's The Big Money
Postmodernism in the Life of the Main Character in Passos's "The Big Money"
Introduction
In the novel "The Big Money" by John Dos Passos, the life of the main character, Charley Anderson, is a reflection of the postmodern era that has transformed traditional norms and values. Postmodernism, characterized by freedom and the rejection of existing social limits, has given birth to a society that is increasingly materialist, hedonist, and consumerist. This thesis aims to analyze how the characteristics of postmodernism affect the life of Charley Anderson, using postmodernism theory from Jean-François Lyotard and a sociological approach.
The Characteristics of Postmodernism
Postmodernism is an era of freedom that creates space for individuals to express themselves and do whatever they want, often by ignoring existing social limits. This has led to the development of a society that is characterized by hedonism and materialism. Hedonism is the pursuit of pleasure and instant gratification, while materialism is the focus on owning material goods as a measure of success. In the context of Charley Anderson's life, these characteristics are evident in his behavior and decision-making.
Hedonism in Charley Anderson's Life
Charley's behavior and decision-making are often oriented towards the search for pleasure and instant gratification. He is involved in a lifestyle that focuses on self-satisfaction, without considering the long-term consequences of these choices. This is evident in his relationships with women, where he prioritizes physical pleasure over emotional connection. Charley's hedonistic tendencies are also reflected in his love of luxury and excess, as seen in his lavish spending and extravagant lifestyle.
Materialism in Charley Anderson's Life
Materialism is also a significant characteristic of Charley's life, as he views the world and values success in terms of ownership of material goods. He is trapped in an endless circle of consumption, where success is measured by the number of possessions he owns. This results in shallow relationships with the people around him, as their interactions are more influenced by social status and material possessions than by emotional connections.
The Impact of Postmodernism on Charley Anderson's Identity and Behavior
Through this analysis, it is clear how postmodernism, with all its implications and characteristics, forms Charley Anderson's identity and behavior. The life of this character reflects the challenges faced by individuals in the modern era, where freedom is often interpreted as an opportunity to fulfill personal desires without considering traditional values. Charley's experiences serve as a reflection of how postmodern people function, highlighting the tension between individual freedom and social responsibility.
The Relevance of Postmodernism in Charley Anderson's Life
An understanding of postmodernism in Charley Anderson's life is relevant in discussing the social and cultural impacts faced by society today. Through this knowledge, the reader can re-contemplate the choices and values they profess in everyday life, as well as how it interacts with the culture and trends that develop around them. This thesis aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion of postmodernism and its implications for individuals and society.
Methodology
This research uses a descriptive qualitative method, which allows the writer to explore a deeper meaning of the text. The analysis is based on a close reading of the novel, with a focus on the characteristics of postmodernism and their impact on Charley Anderson's life. The use of postmodernism theory from Jean-François Lyotard provides a framework for understanding the implications of postmodernism on individual identity and behavior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the life of Charley Anderson in "The Big Money" by John Dos Passos is a reflection of the postmodern era that has transformed traditional norms and values. The characteristics of postmodernism, including hedonism and materialism, are evident in Charley's behavior and decision-making. This thesis aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion of postmodernism and its implications for individuals and society, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of the social and cultural impacts of postmodernism.
Recommendations for Future Research
This thesis provides a foundation for further research into the implications of postmodernism on individual identity and behavior. Future research could explore the ways in which postmodernism affects relationships, community, and social responsibility. Additionally, a comparative analysis of postmodernism in different literary works could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the characteristics and implications of postmodernism.
Limitations of the Study
This thesis is limited by its focus on a single novel and character. A more comprehensive understanding of postmodernism and its implications would require a broader analysis of literary works and cultural trends. Additionally, the use of a descriptive qualitative method may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Implications for Practice
This thesis has implications for practice in the fields of education, literature, and cultural studies. It highlights the need for a deeper understanding of postmodernism and its implications for individuals and society. This knowledge can inform teaching practices, literary analysis, and cultural critique, providing a more nuanced understanding of the social and cultural impacts of postmodernism.
References
- Lyotard, J. F. (1979). The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
- Passos, J. D. (1936). The Big Money. New York: Harcourt, Brace and Company.
- Baudrillard, J. (1983). Simulations. New York: Semiotext(e).
- Jameson, F. (1991). Postmodernism, or, The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism. Durham: Duke University Press.
Appendix
- A list of sources used in the research
- A list of key terms and definitions
- A list of abbreviations and acronyms used in the thesis
Q&A: Postmodernism in the Life of the Main Character in Passos's "The Big Money"
Q: What is postmodernism, and how does it relate to the novel "The Big Money"?
A: Postmodernism is a cultural and philosophical movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by a rejection of traditional norms and values. In the context of the novel "The Big Money", postmodernism is reflected in the main character, Charley Anderson's, life, which is marked by hedonism and materialism.
Q: What are the key characteristics of postmodernism in the novel?
A: The two most striking postmodernism characteristics in Charley's life are hedonism and materialism. Hedonism is the pursuit of pleasure and instant gratification, while materialism is the focus on owning material goods as a measure of success.
Q: How does Charley's hedonistic tendencies affect his relationships with others?
A: Charley's hedonistic tendencies lead to shallow relationships with the people around him. He prioritizes physical pleasure over emotional connection, and his interactions with others are often influenced by social status and material possessions rather than emotional connections.
Q: What is the significance of materialism in Charley's life?
A: Materialism is a significant characteristic of Charley's life, as he views the world and values success in terms of ownership of material goods. He is trapped in an endless circle of consumption, where success is measured by the number of possessions he owns.
Q: How does postmodernism affect Charley's identity and behavior?
A: Postmodernism, with all its implications and characteristics, forms Charley Anderson's identity and behavior. The life of this character reflects the challenges faced by individuals in the modern era, where freedom is often interpreted as an opportunity to fulfill personal desires without considering traditional values.
Q: What are the implications of postmodernism for individuals and society?
A: An understanding of postmodernism in Charley Anderson's life is relevant in discussing the social and cultural impacts faced by society today. Through this knowledge, the reader can re-contemplate the choices and values they profess in everyday life, as well as how it interacts with the culture and trends that develop around them.
Q: What are the limitations of this study?
A: This thesis is limited by its focus on a single novel and character. A more comprehensive understanding of postmodernism and its implications would require a broader analysis of literary works and cultural trends. Additionally, the use of a descriptive qualitative method may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Q: What are the implications for practice in the fields of education, literature, and cultural studies?
A: This thesis has implications for practice in the fields of education, literature, and cultural studies. It highlights the need for a deeper understanding of postmodernism and its implications for individuals and society. This knowledge can inform teaching practices, literary analysis, and cultural critique, providing a more nuanced understanding of the social and cultural impacts of postmodernism.
Q: What are some potential areas for future research?
A: Future research could explore the ways in which postmodernism affects relationships, community, and social responsibility. Additionally, a comparative analysis of postmodernism in different literary works could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the characteristics and implications of postmodernism.
Q: What are some key terms and definitions related to postmodernism?
A: Some key terms and definitions related to postmodernism include:
- Postmodernism: a cultural and philosophical movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by a rejection of traditional norms and values.
- Hedonism: the pursuit of pleasure and instant gratification.
- Materialism: the focus on owning material goods as a measure of success.
- Postmodern condition: a state of being characterized by the rejection of traditional norms and values.
- Hyperreality: a state of being characterized by the blurring of reality and simulation.
Q: What are some recommended readings for further study on postmodernism?
A: Some recommended readings for further study on postmodernism include:
- Lyotard, J. F. (1979). The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge.
- Passos, J. D. (1936). The Big Money.
- Baudrillard, J. (1983). Simulations.
- Jameson, F. (1991). Postmodernism, or, The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism.