Place,Identity and Escape:The Ethical Choices of"Adam"in American Pastoral
American Pastoral,Philip Roth's magnum opus,is a pioneering work that offers a panoramic analysis of American history and society during the Vietnam War era.The protagonist,a Jewish immigrant known as"the Swede,"faces a profound crisis of ethnic identity amidst the continual loss of his local environment.When confronted with the ethical choices tied to his identity,the Swede immerses himself in the self-constructed world of escapism,seeking to evade the chaotic reality,his cultural heritage and his Jewish identity through spatial shifts,pastoral fantasies and self-reinvention.Throughout the novel,he consistently plays the role of the idealized American"Adam",which ultimately leads to a dislocated ethnic and ethical identity,plunging him into multiple ethical dilemmas and resulting in his tragic fate.Through profound moral exploration,Roth embeds his philosophical reflections on the existential significance and ethical responsibilities of Jewish immigrants in America.
American Pastoralplaceidentityethical choicesescape
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