《远古的孩子》中的帮助者形象解析

帮助者形象在莫马迪的《远古的孩子》中对主人公赛特寻求身份的历程产生了重要作用,如老祖母对主人公身份寻求之旅的启发性作用,白人心理医生对赛特造成的副作用,印第安女药师格蕾对他归家之旅和精神重生起到的决定性作用。通过帮助者形象的演绎,莫马迪表达了对印第安群体力量的坚定信念,认为印第安年青一代也许会经历一段迷惘期,但在印第安帮助者的精神引导下,最终会在祖先的神圣力量中找寻到自己的家园和根基。

An Interpretation of the Images of Helpers in The Ancient Child

The images of helpers exert significant influence on the identity search of Set, protagonist of one of Momaday＇s novels called The Ancient Child . The influence includes Grandma＇s enlightenment on Set＇s journey of identity search, the negative effect caused by the white psychologist, and the decisive effect of Grey, an Indian medicine woman who helps Set complete his journey back home and spiritual rebirth. On the basis of such an interpretation of the images of helpers, Momaday expresses his firm belief in the power of Indian community. He believes that the young Indian generation may experience a confusing period, but with the spiritual guide from the Indian helpers, they will finally find their home and roots under the mythological powers of their ancestors.