earticle

영어

Byun, Hyojeong. “Africa, Diaspora, and Anarchism in Henderson the Rain King.” Studies in English Language & Literature. 42.3 (2016): 41-59. This study aims to trace Henderson's spiritual development through his movement to Africa with the theories of diaspora and anarchism. The protagonist Henderson lives a life as a scion in America, but he suffers from turmoil in his heart caused by memories regarding his family members. This emotion exiles him from his homeland, so he goes to the deepest, darkest part of Africa, which has a primitive power toward renewal, following the promptings of his unforgettable inner voice, "I want," and longing to set things straights. In Africa, Henderson goes through trials and errors among two different types of tribes, the Arnewi and the Wariri. By experiencing a unique rainmaking ceremony among the Wariri, he faces violent and aggressive forces and the essence of his own life. As time goes by, with King Dahfu helping, he enjoys a useful and fulfilling life and feels calm without the pressure or congestion of his thoughts. Further, Henderson breaks through his spirit's sleep in the end and finds a cure for his spiritual malady. Hence he has successfully built his spiritual community, acquired his real psychological freedom, gained deep insight for the future, and become a fully integrated human being, as anarchism, which continually asks the meaning of the self and emphasizes cooperation, suggests. (Daejin University)