Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction to the author-1

1.2 Introduction to More Die of Heartbreak-2

1.3 Literary Review-2

1.4 Structure of the Thesis-3

Chapter Two Theory of Consumerism-4

2.1 Definition and Development of Consumerism-4

2.2 Characteristics of Consumerism-4

ChapterThree Influence of Consumerism on Characters-6

3.1. Chicago as a Consumer society-6

3.2. Influence of consumerism on the protagonist-6

3.3 Influence of Consumerism on the minor characters -8

   3.3.1 Influence of consumerism on Matilda-8

   3.3.2 Influence of consumerism on Dr. Layamon-9

3.3.3 Influence of consumerism on other roles-10

Chapter Four Writer’s Intention of Creation-11

4.1Consumerism of Consumerism-11

4.2 Hopes of the Author-11

Chapter Five Conclusion-13

References-14

Abstract

Saul Bellow, one of the most outstanding novelists in the 20th century, is known as a spokesperson of the contemporary American literature. More Die of Heartbreak is a novel of Saul Bellow’s late creation. The story describes the unhappy marriages of a famous botanist Benn Crader, who has great success in his career but unsatisfactory Marriage in his life. However, the novel not only describes Crader’s frustrating marital life, but also depicts the real American society, in which a spiritual emptiness is prevalent among modern people. 

Consumerism refers to people’s consumption of material wealth and natural resources without restraint. In a consumer society, consumption is regarded as the purpose of life. In the novel, the protagonist Crader as well as other minor characters such as Matilda and Dr. Layamon is deeply influenced and victimized by consumerism. 

Based on the theory of consumerism, this paper tends to analyze the influence of consumerism on the protagonist as well as on the minor characters in the novel. Influenced by consumerism, these characters all suffered a spiritual wasteland to various degrees. And the paper also explores the author’s intention of creation. By writing More Die of Heartbreak, the author fully expresses his criticism against the prevalent consumerism in American culture, but he still has hope for human beings and gives some cures to the victims in that post-industrial society. It is hoped that through this thesis, readers can have a better understanding of the author and the text. 

Key word:  More Die of Heartbreak   consumerism  Saul Bellow  Benn Crader