The following paper investigates the influence of the Confucian text on the author and Transcendentalist Philosopher, Henry David Thoreau(1817–1862), through the theoretical lens of post-colonial...Show moreThe following paper investigates the influence of the Confucian text on the author and Transcendentalist Philosopher, Henry David Thoreau(1817–1862), through the theoretical lens of post-colonial criticism . Through a thorough investigation of primary sources it is argued that Confucius thought was a serious influence upon the thinking and writings of one of America's most famous and influential authors, and an important element in the construction of America's national "identity." Furthermore, it is asserted that most past scholarship has failed to highlight this important influence of Confucius philosophy on Thoreau, or simply dismissed it out of hand.Show less
This thesis gives an analysis of Sinclair lewis’s Character George Babbitt in his novel Babbitt. The analysis shows that Babbitt is unsatisfied with his life. This is because Babbitt is, unlike...Show moreThis thesis gives an analysis of Sinclair lewis’s Character George Babbitt in his novel Babbitt. The analysis shows that Babbitt is unsatisfied with his life. This is because Babbitt is, unlike Benjamin Franklin, not a self-made man. Franklin set an example of how to live your honourable. Ralph Waldo Emerson created with his essay Self Reliance a view that stated that man should be nonconforming to society. Emerson believed that conforming to society and neglecting personal dreams would lead to an unhappy life. Therefore, this thesis states that Babbitt is also unsatisfied because of his conformism to the materialistic American society of the 1920s.Show less
