E. L. Doctorow: A Romantic Gnostic in Postmodern Context

Abstract

One of the quintessential novelists in contemporary America, E.L. Doctorow is distinguished for his innovative juxtaposition of historical and imaginative texts, and is deservedly tagged as a “postmodern author”. Nevertheless, through thorough research on his artistic principles and literary practices, we may detect a kind of spiritual reference that is in stark contrast to the postmodern literary thoughts, but quite in tune with Gnostic principles and Romantic Spirit. Interpreting Doctorow’s novelistic creation with the aid of Gnostic thoughts and Romantic feelings may help throw light to the appreciation of Doctorow’s work, redress the stereotypical title of the “postmodern writer”, bringing more vivacity to Doctorow criticism. E.L.多克特罗:后现代语境中浪漫的灵知论者