Reality or anti-reality: A study in the humanistic novels of Iris Murdoch.

摘要

The purpose of this Thesis is to examine Miss Murdoch's concept of reality where human relationships are concerned, and conversely, to show why many of the characters in her novels have a false concept of reality (anti-reality). The anti-reality in this case, is chiefly concerned with an erroneous definition of freedom. Tied in with this imperfect freedom are problems of communication and obsessional involvements. It is the middle-aged characters who become enmeshed in the net of illusion, and we contrast their state with that of the more realistic oldsters and young adults in the novels. Miss Murdoch's use of satire and symbolism to emphasize these illusory states will be discussed.;In Chapter II the idea of renunciation, of crushing and reshaping the romantic spirit along painfully realistic lines, is probed. The author's satiric method of exploding comfortable illusions is shown. Finally, the contrast between the groping middle-aged pilgrims and the coldly rational aged characters or the pitiless children, is outlined.;Chapter III restates the central problem of a search for false freedom and the compulsive attachments which the seekers hope will lend value to meaningless lives. Miss Murdoch's solution, although there are no easy answers, involves selflessness and an other-centred concept of reality.;The Postscript covers an account of the interview with Miss Murdoch last August at Stratford.;In Chapter I the dream of freedom without responsibility, as opposed to the author's vision of freedom entailing sacrifice, is analysed. Lack of communication, the impossibility of heroic action, and submission to power figures created by the self-deluded seekers, are other points considered in this first section of this work.