Introduction

“Alienation is a relation of relationlessness ... According to this formulation, alienation does not indicate the absence of a relation but is itself a relation, if a deficient one.” (Jaeggi 1). Through the lenses of Erich Fromm’s and Rahel Jaeggi’s theories of alienation, this dissertation intends to interpret the malaise of alienation and “the divided self” represented in Mrs. Dalloway and Steppenwolf. By examining how various respects of alienation are represented in the two novels, this dissertation represents a preliminary attempt to diagnose one of kaleidoscopic facets of modernity.

If interested, you may read Mia’s Dissertation here.

Experience at MALCS

My journey at MALCS was both rewarding and enjoyable. Throughout the 1-year intensive study, I learned to study literature and film through a plethora of methodologies, which offer me various perspectives to understand the world and the society we live in, as well as myself. Moreover, MALCS is a great community for me to experience academic life, along with supportive instructors and like-minded peers. I especially enjoyed those one-on-one meetings with my teachers, some of which are life-changing. In addition, courses like “World Cinema”, “Modernity and its Paths” and “Realism/Surrealism” are fantastic, ushering me in a wonderland full of critical theories, with a comparative vision in general.