Abstract:

Ian McEwan's works, with rich humanistic elements, investigate the values of human existence and the ideals of human nature from art and science, ethnics and reasons. Through text analysis of his representative work Amsterdam, the protagonist's longings and failures in artistic creation and his flawed moral choice and victorious illusion are examined; the ideals and regrets of humanistic elements which point to creative living and moral will are revealed.

Key words: regret, ideal, humanism, Amsterdam