论康拉德《在西方的注视下》中拉祖莫夫的灰色道德英语语言文学专业论文.docxVIP

Engli English Abstract II II Abstract Under Western Eyes is the last novel of Conrad’s famous political trilogies. It is about the tragic fate of the populace who are trapped between imperious autocracy and violent revolution. The protagonist Razumov, a student from Saint Petersburg University, is accidentally involved in a political plot. To save his own life and rescue his future, he turns in, against his will, his schoolmate Haldin, and is sent to Geneva as a spy for the government. However, later, he falls in love with Haldin’s sister Natalie, which recalls his memory of betrayal. Guilt, a sense of loss of identity, and etc. all become so unbearable that he has to confess himself. His confession causes him eternal physical paralysis, but finally relieves his mental tortures. Though a political novel, Under Western Eyes reflects Conrad’s focus on such issues as moral degradation, identity crisis, spreading anxiety and concern over the populace. Therefore, this thesis employs the concept “moral grayness” prompted by Ayn Rand to analyze Razumov’s multiple moral dilemmas. The first chapter discusses Razumov’s struggle between the choice of betrayal and loyalty. Razumov is unwilling to inform against his schoolmate Haldin. Nevertheless, he knows how easy it is for the government to destroy individuals’ existences. He has no way out but to take sides with the government. His conversion does not mean he is loyal to the government, but merely helpless individual seeking shelter from an overpowering regime. The second chapter analyzes Razumov’s dilemma between instrumentalization and his subjectivity. After informing, Razumov is sent by the government as a spy and turned into a serving tool of the autocracy. Yet, to become a mild reformer who advocates liberty and democracy has always been his dream. The reality collides with his pursuit, and retains him in a gray zone where no attempt is possible. The third chapter explores the causes which lead to Razumov’s confession