Europe and America in the Novels " Set this House on Fire " and " Sophie's' Choice "by William Styron

In my thesis I will examine one aspect in two novels by William Styron: the connection between Europe and America. My intention is to prove that in the novel "Set This House on Fire " the moral and artistic crisis of the main character is originated just partly from the commercial spirit of America, which is not inspiring enough for him. I will emphasise that the real cause of his problems is found in his general philosophical crisis. His experiences in Europe help him to find the aim of his life and to return to his roots i.e. to America. In the other novel " Sophie 's Choice" I will demonstrate that the historical tensions of America and Europe have their common source. I would like to emphasise the striking similarities between the problems, which caused the tragic events in both Europe and in the American South. My intention is to follow the process of becoming maturity of a main character while his getting to know the European suffering. I will refer to the danger of superficial approach of both Europe and America. Besides, I will point to the responsibility of a country, which has power to soothe suffering, and to the moral consequence of missing this duty.