Development Of Heroism---A Comparative Study Of Hemingway Code Heroes And Liangshan Heroes

This thesis consists of six parts: Introduction, Chapter One, ChapterTwo, Chapter Three, Chapter Four, and Conclusion. Introduction is adetailed explanation of the overall thematic structure. It introduces how thethesis, on the basis of the study of archetypal heroes in both Chinese andGreek mythologies, makes a comparative research on Hemingway codeand Liangshan style heroism. The thesis begins with a study of heroarchetype in ancient Chinese and Greek myths. Then on the basis of C. G.Jung's collective unconsciousness theory and Northrop Frye's archetypalcriticism, it analyses essential features of hero archetype and theirprofound and permanent influence on moral criteria of human beings. Withhero archetype it compares the so-called heroes in terms of the heroismdistorted and misused by social authorities for their own benefit in somehistorical periods. Taking Hemingway's and Shi Nai'an's times as examples,it makes an exposure of the distortions of heroism and their ill social effect,and arrives at such a conclusion that genuine heroes must serve thecommon people instead of a few dictators, and that hero criteria deeplyrooted in human collective unconsciousness denies any distortion andfalsification. It then points out that with the development of the societyheroes come more from the common people and ordinary walks of life, andemphasizes the indispensability of meaningful heroism as moral andbehavioral guidance and the significance of veritable heroes for thedevelopment of either a society or an individual. This point of view isfollowed and supported by a study of heroism defined by both EmestHemingway and Shi Nai'an. This study focuses on the return of the tWokinds of heroism to archetyPal heroism and their realistic development onarchetypal basis. This thesis ends with a comparison of Hemingway code,heroes and Liangshan heroes with archetypal heroes, reinforcing theirsignificance as embodiments of genuine heroic spirit.ChaPter One is a detailed analysis of hero archetyPe, and of changesof the concept of "hero" in social context. It sets out with exemplum ofheroic figures in both Chinese and Greek mytho1ogies. After analyzingtheir birth, born talents and ability unusual exPeriences, and greatcontribution to their tribes or nations, it comes to a conclusion ofarchetypal heroic features, which is on the basis of C. G. Jung's collectiveunconsciousness theory and Northrop Frye's archetypal criticism. It thenpoints out that during social development, the concept of "hero" alsoundergoes changes. In some periods the concept was distorted by dictators,,such as in Hemingway's and Shi Nai'an's times. And in the modem society,heroes are no longer divine; they come more from the populace. At the endof the Chapter it puts emphasis upon the undeniable significance ofveritable heroes fOr both material and cultural developments of the society.The key point in Chapter One is the final conclusion that a real hero mustserve the populace and keep archetypal heroic essence, and only in thatcase will his worth and value be accepted by his people.Chapter Two is a detailed analysis of the historical and moralbackground of Hemingway's and Shi Nai'an's literary creations. Part Oneintroduces Hemingway's experiences in the two world wars. It points outthe spiritual and material harm of World War I upon participating countriesand especially, upon America. The aPpearance of the Lost Generation inAmerica after the War was due to the loss of belief and value in thisgeneration. World War II drew Hemingway back to the battlegroundbecause this time it was for justice. Part Two introduces the social situation'of the late Northem Song Dynasty which was overwhelmed by officialcomiption and general destitution. Based on Liangshan heroes' folk legend,Shi Nai'an created his Outlaws of the Marsh, in which the hypocrisy andfalsehood of the feudal values find relentless exposure, and the hearty...