The Influence of Confucianism on Female-Theme Writings

2282 Words5 Pages

“ The reason for the radical importance of gender every aspect of humanity is its unbreakable relation to the culture and civilization of a society”.

--Qiao, Yi-Gang, Survey of Gender in Chinese Ancient Literature and Culture

The history of Chinese literature, from the perspective of gender study, represents a male-centric narrative most of the time. Men are usually the protagonists of stories and historical documentations while women serving as peripheral characters who are given less attention by the authors. However, since Tang Dynasty, discussion around female gender has become a popular theme that is preferred by male authors. At the same time, more female authors has emerged and brought a fresh standpoint to the Chinese literal history. We consider the representation of female an important theme of discussion because how gender is viewed at a certain point of history relates closely to the social perspectives and culture at the time. The understanding of gender can be resulted from numerous social or humanistic factors, including the dominant religion and philosophy. Confucianism, considered the most influential philosophical and ethical system throughout the Chinese history, is without doubt one of the most important shaping forces over Chinese literal works about women and gender. Comprised a set of morals and behavioral standards for female, Confucianism encourages a patriarchal social system that largely limits what women can do and express. This paper will

examine the difference in perspectives and values between the works of both gender and seek to argue that Confucianism is the fundamental reason for this difference.

Based on the research of various literal works from different periods of Chinese history,...

... middle of paper ...

...Works Cited

Birch, Cyril, and Donald Keene. Anthology of Chinese Literature,. New York: Grove, 1965. Print.

Campion, Alison. "The Changing Role of Women During the Rise of Neo-Confucianism." (n.d.): 2-3. Web. .

Chen, Hong, and Yigang Qiao. Preface. Survey of Gender in Chinese Ancient Literature and Culture. Tianjin: Nankai University Agency, 2010. N. pag. Print.

Gao, Xiongya. Pearl S. Buck's Chinese Women Characters. Selinsgrove [Pa.: Susquehanna UP, 2000. Print.

Richey, Jeffery. "Gender and Sexuality." Religious Library: Confucianism. Patheos Library, 13 June 2011. Web. 11 Dec. 2013.

Wang, Daqing. "Shirley's World." Shirley's World. Shirley's Language, 23 Apr. 2006. Web. 13 Dec. 2013.

Wei, Zhuang, and Nie, Anfu. Poem Anthology of Wen Ting-jun (Chinese Edition). Shanghai: Shanghai Ancient House, 2010. Print.

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