dc.description.abstract | Abstract
This thesis attempts to answer the question of whether Liangshanbo outlaws are bandits or heroes as well as why this novel, Outlaws of the Marsh, is considered a tragedy. To answer these two questions, this paper adopts Chinese legitimate reason research and western culture theories to discuss and conclude human nature, power and symbols. This thesis is divided into six chapters.
Chapter I is “Introduction” to explain former study results, motive, purpose, objective, definition of glossary and research methods, etc.
Chapter II is “Foundation of Discussions on Cultural Study of Outlaws of the Marsh”. To have a basic understanding of this novel, which has been circulated for more than four hundred years, this chapter explains the view of this thesis on Outlaws of the Marsh from its changes, development and differences of versions; and approves the special characteristics of the novel in between the false and true.
Chapter III is “Ethics Interpretation of Outlaws of the Marsh”. The analysis is mainly based on the understandng of “justice” and “happiness” in western ethics. In “justice”, the researcher determines whether the behaviors of characters in Outlaws of the Marsh conform to the social values of enforcing the justice on behalf of the Heaven. In “happiness”, the paper hopes to explore the value judgment of characters in Outlaws of the Marsh in the society to further explain how Liangshanbo goes through from the paradise to collapse like Utopia.
Chapter IV is “Body Metaphors in Outlaws of the Marsh”. This chapter adopts western body discussions and compares the body views of Chinese Confucian to examine how body in Outlaws of the Marsh becomes a cultural symbol and is unable to break away from the power. It also discusses the cultural meaning to the body of characters. Based on the power internalization of Michel Foucault, this chapter analyzes the changes of the relation of characters with the government from being forced to Lianshan to accepting amnesty and enlistment.
Chapter V is “Meaning of Killing in Outlaws of the Marsh”. This chapter uses interpretation of semiology to interpret and explain “killing” and “genders”, the two controversial issues, and clarify the cruel killing and brutality to immoral women. Description of such killing is important in both promotion of plots and manifestation of character values.
Chapter VI reviews the thesis and proposes the conclusions and judgment on the main issue of “heroes—bandits”. Furhermore, it expounds the tragic characteristics from novel plots, reception psychology, and statements of characteristics in Outlaws of the Marsh.
The study believes Outlaws of the Marsh expresses the complicated real world and different facets of characteristics. One can not have positive evaluation on whether a Liangshanbo outlaw is a hero or a bandit in the novel. In light of reception psychology, he is a complete hero, as he represents the desire of ordinary people. The meaning of tragic characteristics in Outlaws of the Marsh is lacking of choices when life is bound by power. Liangshanbo outlaws’ fight against the system expresses the aggressive meaning of human nature to seek liberty and freedom. This is the value for in-depth study of Outlaws of the Marsh. | en_US |