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CHAPTER TWO   Self-Alienation in Dunbar

2.1 Dunbar’s Self-Alienation

The novel extensively portrays Dunbar’s declining physical condition through various descriptions. For instance, Dunbar expresses his awareness of aging by stating, “‘I’m getting old, Charlie’,... pushing down the sense of dread I’d carried ever since that stupid, accident in Davos: the constant fear of falling over again, of no longer being able to trust my treacherous body.” (Aubyn 19). This incident in Davos has instilled in him a perpetual fear of experiencing another fall and losing faith in his unreliable physical capabilities. The deteriorating physical condition, on one hand, means Dunbar is no longer suitable to control and maintain the supreme power. On the other hand, it also signifies his loss of control over his own body, and he feels betrayed by his own body. His loss of control over his own physical being signifies a profound sense of alienation – he no longer experiences himself as the center of his world, as the creator of his own acts. 

In addition to experiencing a decline in physical health, Dunbar also manifests symptoms of anxiety and disorder, which again, are manifestations of his alienation. Dunbar has been diagnosed with a condition characterized by an elevated level of anxiousness. His anxiety is further enhanced by a drug, specifically a non-specific disinhibitor, prescribed to him by Dr. Bob. Rather than alleviating his anxiety, the drug makes him more paranoid about the perceivable danger in the outside world. Consequently, Dunbar has a range of psychological disorders, such as paranoia and anxiety, among others. Once he was found raving at passers-by on Hampstead High Street. On another occasion, he was found inside a hollow tree, talking to himself after being dispatched by his two elderly daughters for the purpose of undergoing a psychological assessment.

2.2 Dunbar’s Egotism and Moral Anxiety

Dunbar shows a strong inclination toward egotism. In the novel, Dunbar is portrayed as an extremely egoistic person, who requires the absolute subordination of the people around him including his daughters. He is stubborn and always believes in the accuracy of his decisions. He thoroughly believes in the love and fidelity of his two elderly daughters Abby and Megan, and is determined to devote all his power to them. When his old friend and loyal partner Wilson persuades him to at least hold back a block of shares, Dunbar still insists on his decision and replies: “Who is it will deny Dunbar his wishes? Who is it will deny Dunbar his whims?” (Aubyn 9). Only Dunbar can deny Dunbar’s wishes and whims! 

Over the past forty years, Dunbar has become one of the most powerful people in the world, and he is accustomed to commanding others. Even presidents and prime ministers are silent before Dunbar and hoping for his benediction. The past experience makes Dunbar convince that he is the incarnation of power, even though he relinquishes power he can still enjoy those trappings of power, but just as Wilson says: “You can’t cling to the trappings of power, without the power itself.” (Aubyn 4). However, this household figure Henry Dunbar fails to compre本论文由英语论文网提供整理，提供论文代写，英语论文代写，代写论文，代写英语论文，代写留学生论文，代写英文论文，留学生论文代写相关核心关键词搜索。