『우왕 헨더슨』(Henderson the Rain King)

Henderson the Rain King: Self-recognition through the Sufferings of Life and Death

Modern novels usually describe life and death, but it seems to be important how writers treat their themes with the materials of life and death. Henderson is one of Bellow's heroes in an existential dilemma, yearning for meaningful life, but he finally finds only chaos and meaninglessness. Therefore, in the primitive Africa, he takes a spiritual journey and expects to find an answer of his essential problem; namely, his inner longing of "I want". The journey is a quest for reality in his life. Henderson visits two tribes in Africa: the Arnewi and the Wariri. They symbolize two aspects of human condition: life and death. From the Arnewi Henderson learned the great human desire to live; Grun-tu-molani. This concept greatly influences him for the contentment and happiness of his life. On the other hand, from the Wariri and King Dahfu, he learned how to encounter and overcome death. Especially Dahfu teaches Henderson courage and sacrifice through the adventure of capturing a lion. In the end, Henderson bursts his spirit's sleep and has service ideal for others after his adventures in Africa. He wants to meet his wife and even the persons whom he doesn't like to meet. He makes a decision to be an active and positive person in his society. This novel can be evaluated to be the best positive one in Bellow's works.