| Abstract in English | 第1-9页 |
| Abstract in Chinese | 第9-12页 |
| Introduction | 第12-21页 |
| Chapter One Typical American as a Novel of Initiation | 第21-32页 |
| ·The Development of Bildungsroman and Initiation Story | 第21-25页 |
| ·Definitions and Features of Bildungsroman and Initiation Story | 第25-29页 |
| ·Typical American as an American Ethnic Initiation Story | 第29-32页 |
| Chapter Two Ralph Chang’s Process of Initiation | 第32-58页 |
| ·The Naive Childhood and Adolescent Period in China | 第32-36页 |
| ·Trials and Ordeals in America | 第36-49页 |
| ·A Typical Chinese in America | 第36-40页 |
| ·Assimilation and Pursuing of American Dream | 第40-49页 |
| ·The Maturity and Manhood Period | 第49-58页 |
| ·The Moment of Decisive Initiation and a New Self-identity | 第49-51页 |
| ·Ralph’s Emotional Maturity | 第51-58页 |
| Chapter Three The Features of Initiation Story in Typical American | 第58-72页 |
| ·Alienation from Family and Society—A Marginal Life | 第58-60页 |
| ·Two Poles of the Mentor: Theresa and Grover | 第60-66页 |
| ·The Positive Mentor: Theresa, the Saint | 第60-63页 |
| ·The Negative Mentor: Grover, the Tempter and Satan | 第63-66页 |
| ·The Companion on the Initiation Road: Helen | 第66-69页 |
| ·The Recurring of the Typical Plot of Initiation Stories | 第69-72页 |
| Conclusion | 第72-74页 |
| Notes | 第74-77页 |
| Bibliography | 第77-80页 |
| Acknowledgements | 第80-81页 |
| Publication | 第81页 |
