| dc.description.abstract | The accurate depiction of characters is the main reason why Zuo-Zhuan is so inspiring. Through this classic literary work, the readers are allowed to have a glimpse into Chinese history of Warring States Period. During the Spring and Autumn Period, three local lords of Lu, Meng family, Shu family, and Ji family, who are descendants of Lu Huangong, are called as “three noble families.” They have influenced Lu immensely, and Ji family has the greatest leverage among them. This essay, therefore, aims to examine how the images of six rulers of Lu from Ji family, that is, Ji-Yu, Ji-Wen-Zi, Ji-Wu-Zi, Ji-Ping-Zi, Ji-Huan-Zi, and Ji-Kang-Zi, are shaped in Zuo-Zhuan.
This essay consists of eight chapters. The first chapter includes the flashback narrative featuring “chu” character, oracles, predictions based on dreams, calligraphy, development of Ji family, and exploration of the writing techniques and values for shaping characters’ images in Zuo-Zhuan. Each of the following six chapters features one ruler of Lu from Ji family, discussing about their respective characteristics presented in Zuo-Zhuan. Ji-Yu is a man of his word. (a flat character) Ji-Wen-Zi is a man with caution and reserved ambition. (a round character) Ji-Wu-Zi is warlike. (a flat character) Ji-Ping-Zi is competitive. (a round character) Ji-Huan-Zi values virtues. Ji-Kang-Zi has a mind of his own and seldom feels secure. (a round character) Applying narratology, this essay attempts to have an insight into these six characters by exploring relations among remarks, dialogues, behaviors, and narrations, and noting the conflicts and contrasts among characters. At the end, it is concluded that four skills had been applied in Zuo-Zhuan to depict these sophisticated characters, which are “remarks,” “emotions,” “behaviors” and “flash-forward.” | en_US |