Chapter One Introduction
I. Patrick White and His Major Works
II. An Overview of Criticism on Patrick White Abroad
III. A Summary of Patrick White Study in China
IV. Some Considerations on the Present Study
Chapter Two Tragedy Redefined and Its Expression in White's Novels
I. Tragedy Reconsidered
II. Modern Tragedy: Inevitable Departure from Its Traditional Form
III. Tragic Profundity of Patrick White's Fictional World
IV. White's Novels: Lengthened Gap Between Aspiration and Fulfillment
Chapter Three TheAunt's Story: Pursuit of Authenticity of Selfhood at the Cost of Normality of Life
I. Theodore The Loneliest Individual
II. Confrontation Between Individual and Society
II. Modern Odysseus' Vain Search for True Self and Failure to Regain Her "Ithaca" .
IV. Modern Tragedy of Existence: Denial of the Authenticity of Self
Chapter Four Voss: "The Long Journey Back in Search of Human Status"
I. Voss: Alienated Superman with All Human Weaknesses
II. Self-Inflicted Exploration: Clash Between Deity and Humanity
III. Inevitable Destruction: Tragedy of Human Temperament
IV. Dislocation in Sydney: Dilemma of Human Existence
Chapter Five The Vivisector: Tragic Conflict Between Art and Reality
I. Hurtle: Godlike Vivisector in the Name of Art
II. Unwelcome Possum and Marginalized Artist
lII. "Man in the Void": Loss of Faith and Identity
IV. Pygmalion Story Rewritten: Superman Will in Vain
V. Art or Love: Conflicting Relation Between Hurtle and His Women
VI. Phallocentric Superman Craziness to Suppress the Subjectivity of Women
Chapter Six The Twyborn Affair: Metamorphoses in Quest of a Fit Place in Society
I. Eddie: "The Stranger of All Time".
II. Sex Metamorphosis: Illusion of Genuine Love to Solve Existential Dilemma
III. Death and Rebirth: Nightmarish Search for the Authenticity of Self
IV. Self-Exile: Positive but Vain Attempt to Adapt to Social Reality
Chapter Seven Patrick White's Novels: Modern Tragedy of Human Existence
I. Tragic Vision: European Influence
II. Threat to Human Existence from Within and Without
III. Suffering and Failure: Man of Absurdity and Believer of Action
IV. Loss of Belief and Recovery of Authenticity
Chapter Eight Conclusion
Bibliography
