경계의 확장: 비상에 나타난 소통을 통한 연대

Abstract

In the late 20th century, postmodernism applied to many fields such as art, literature, philosophy and literary criticism. The difference between modernism and postmodernism is that the latter is skeptical about a universal truth which applies to all categories including race, gender, culture and so on. Postmodernism values the relative truth according to each person and 'diversity' is a highly valued term. Respecting diversity in society has led to multiculturalism and individualism and promoted a sense of isolation. In Aloft, Changrae Lee, the successful Asian American writer, focuses on the sense of isolation, which is a universal problem in modern individualized society, instead of dealing with Asian American themes. The protagonist, Jerry Battle who is of Italian descent, is a responsible and successful person but he doesn't want to be involved in other people's lives, including his family members and close friends. However, as the serious problems Jerry's son, daughter and his father face are revealed, Jerry realizes the family has a relationship problem. Each one, including Jerry himself, has a border other people cannot cross and will not let anyone, even their father, venture within their borders. Jerry found out the problem and he tries to rebuild the relationship. He decides to open his borders and tries to communicate with the others through conversation. Jerry’s attempt to build a strong relationship is symbolized as 'flight' or 'travel'. Finally, the relationship is recovered and he gathers all people in his house. Aloft breaks through the boundaries of Asian American literature with this universal theme, which can be applied to all the people in 20th century. In addition, even though the white American is the main protagonist, Changrae Lee touches race and gender issues artfully in this work. As an Asian American writer, Changrae Lee tries to cross the border of Asian American literature as well as the isolated individual in modern society and suggests a solution to the solidarity that exists between a person with another within, society and further generations through communication.