Why not speak:On the Silent Phenomena in Young Adult Novels

• Main Authors: LIN.PAI HO, 林百合
• Other Authors: Tzu-chang Chang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2005
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/92293620370547187015

碩士 === 國立臺東大學 === 兒童文學研究所 === 93 === The description on silence is frequently seen in general literature. It has varied aspects and meanings under different circumstances. It is usually connected to negative emotions, and by reviling the dark side of human, the plot of silence brings up the inner problems of the characters. Silence very often makes the atmosphere low. It is important to express the mind of silent children and to show some hopes, which are not doctrinal, in this atmosphere. In this thesis, the researcher attempted to explore the phenomena of silence, the meanings and values of silence in problem novels, and its effects on the growth of youth by using the psychological therapy theory of the existentialism psychologist, Rollo May. The reasons that cause the characters remaining silent have a lot to do with how they are going to overcome the crisis, getting support from others and gaining personal recognition. In the problem novel, silence is the surviving strategy that brings a time-out space in the unstable life, allowing the character to listen to the inner voice. The positive implication of initiation in novels for young adults corresponds to the spirit of humanity of existentialism. Existentialism psychology concerns about personal recognition and the meaning of existence. The inner psychological aspect is reviled through sympathy for the characters. Novels for young adults show a belief in teenagers’ ability to face the incompleteness of reality and to discover the unique of their existence under a trusting and encouraging relationship. These novels provide positive meaning of silence, which testifies the initiation of characters step by step. Keyword: silence Rollo May novels for young adults