Dialectic of Reason and Imagination in William Beckford's Vathek, an Arabian Tale

• Main Authors: Tung-p'ing Chang, 張東平
• Other Authors: Chang-fang Chen
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/45818683922506828498

碩士 === 淡江大學 === 西洋語文研究所 === 81 === Like many other Gothic novels, William Beckford's Vathek was a romantic endeavor intended against the predominant temper of reason peculiar to the eighteenth century. This thesis first tries to propose a dialectic relationship between reason and imagination in the novel. By pointing out the underlying principle of interactive play between these two terms, this critical analysis attempts to evidence the ascendancy of reason in the dichotomous structure. Many terms of similar importance are subjected to critical scrutiny. The theme of moral degeneration is employed on purpose to mount the author's dynamic imagination rather than preach some moralistic doctrine. The portrayal of Evil and the presentation of Goodness also embody a dialectic structure, and it is in their mutual play that the reader sees them pushed to the extreme, and thus obtains some kind of pleasurable literary experience. Overall the main argument is that Vathek was composed by a man whose creative energy was more on the side of reason than of imagination. Although the novel features imagination, actually reason was a more predominant element.