The Theme of Alienation in Patrick White’s Literary Works
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53724/inspiration/v9n1.03Keywords:
Alienation, Australian literature, Existentialism, Solitude, Cultural displacementAbstract
This research paper explores the pervasive theme of alienation in the literary works of Patrick White, an eminent Australian novelist and Nobel Prize laureate. White’s complex characters often grapple with feelings of isolation, estrangement, and existential disquiet, reflecting broader social, cultural, and psychological dimensions. By analyzing key his major novels such as Voss, The Tree of Man, and Riders in the Chariot, this study elucidates how White employs alienation to delve into the human condition, identity, and the search for meaning. The present research paper aims to illuminate the multifaceted nature of alienation in White’s narratives, considering influences from his personal experiences, historical context, and philosophical underpinnings. Through a close reading and thematic analysis, the study reveals how White’s portrayal of alienation not only underscores the characters’ internal struggles but also critiques societal norms and values, offering a profound commentary on the human experience.
References
Hergenhan, Laurie. The Australian Short Story. University of Queensland Press, 1986.
Perry, D. R. “Alienation and Isolation in the Novels of Patrick White.” Australian Literary Studies, vol. 10, no. 2, 1981, pp. 153-168.
Voss, Richard. Recollections of Patrick White. University of Queensland Press, 1992.
White, Patrick. Voss. Penguin Books, 1957.
---. The Tree of Man. Viking Press, 1955.
---. Riders in the Chariot. Viking Press, 1961
---. The Solid Mandala. Viking Press, 1966.
---. The Vivisector. Viking Press, 1970.
---. The Eye of the Storm. Viking Press, 1973.
---. A Fringe of Leaves. Jonathan Cape, 1976.
---. Memoirs of Many in One. Viking Press, 1986.
---. Flaws in the Glass: A Self-Portrait. Jonathan Cape, 1981.
Williams, Mark. “Existentialism and Alienation in Patrick White’s Fiction.” Literature and Psychology, vol. 11, no. 3, 1973, pp. 29-42.
Radha, S. The Theme of Alienation in Modern Literature. Atlantic Publishers, 1993.
Spearritt, Peter. “Social Isolation in the Australian Novel.” Journal of Australian Studies, vol. 5, no. 1, 1978, pp. 45-59.
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