Ralph Ellison's "Flying Home"におけるJeffersonの両性具有的性質
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This paper presents the interpretation that Jefferson, who is a central character in Ralph Ellison's "Flying Home," plays a dual role for the protagonist Todd ; specifically, Jefferson is for Todd both a father figure and a mother figure. The main theme of the story is Todd's self-confrontation through Jefferson's help after Todd's training plane crashes. Jefferson tells Todd some stories, such as about going to heaven where segregation exists just as in the actual world below. As a result, Jefferson gives Todd essential advice for Todd's self-discoveries. Therefore Jefferson's role in the story is to enable Todd to recognize that his sense of self-identity was false. The role of Jefferson in the story is of such importance that some critics have claimed that Jefferson is a father figure for Todd. However, when Todd's development as a result of Jefferson's help is more closely considered, it becomes clear that Jefferson has not only paternal characteristics but also maternal characteristics. The explanation is that maternal love is essential and indispensable for the healing of Todd's psychological pain and for Todd's growing up. It is Jefferson himself that plays the role of the mother who gives Todd that kind of love. Todd lacks the presence and love of his own father and mother and, owing to Jefferson's guide, goes back to several critical memories of his boyhood, and Jefferson finally makes up for their absenceand reduces Todd's sense of isolation by giving both kinds of paternal and maternal love. Thus, Jefferson is a father/mother figure for Todd in the story, and in that sense Todd's self-establishment is achieved through Jefferson's bisexual characteristics.
- 2002-09-30
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