| dc.description.abstract | In queer cultures around the world, Chinese male homoerotic culture is the one with the most unique characteristics of all, which remained a subculture and existed till now. The Wei, Chin Southern and Northern Dynasties is the third prosperous period of male homoeroticism in history but seldom studies focus on it. In this thesis, I intend to demonstrate the cultural contexts and the characteristics of male homoeroticism in Wei, Chin Southern and Northern Dynasties to make contribution to related studies. The methodologies applied in the thesis includes literature analysis, interpretation of texts, gender theory, queer theory and culture studies. This thesis aims not only to define ancient Chinese “male homoeroticism” but also to put emphasis on the characteristics of Chinese male homoerotic culture through the application of western theories. I will also compare the differences of these characteristics with the contemporary definition of “homosexuality.” Here I clarifies that the male homoerotic cultural spectrum in Wei, Chin Southern and Northern not only refers to male homoeroticism but also male beauty is included.
In the thesis, I will first begin with the historical background and focus on court culture, social atmosphere and ideologies. The reasons for the prosperity of male homoerotic culture at that period can be perceived in three different dimensions: the court culture influenced by traditional history, the social atmosphere which presents contemporary atmosphere and the close connection of ideologies and behavior. In what follows, the theory in New Songs from the Jade Terrace, which is edited by Xu Ling, is applied to analyze male homoerotic culture phenomenon in Southern Dynasty and the historical texts are introduced to interpret male homoerotic culture phenomenon in Northern Dynasty. Then I will compare the differences male homoerotic literature presented in the two Dynasties. Last but not least, I will pay emphasis on the relationship between women and male/female beauty. The relationship between the two is unique in this Dynasty due to the rise in women’s status, meaning not only men but also women can choose to appreciate male beauty. This part of study is seldom mentioned in present studies. Through analyzing the characteristics of male homoerotic culture in the Wei, Chin Southern and Northern Dynasties, I conclude three main characteristics: transformation of power relations in sexuality, the impact on traditional concept of family relationship and the conflict with ethics, morality and laws. Finally, by applying Michel Foucault’s concept of power, I investigate the characteristics of power relations in sexuality concerning male homoerotic culture in the Wei, Chin Southern and Northern Dynasties, and the conflict resulted from male homoerotic culture with traditional concept of family relationship and ethics, morality and laws. | en_US |