"Feminine Male": A Typical Personality In Chinese Literature

In ancient Chinese literary works, there are many male figures who are somewhat womanly. Via the study and analysis of these figures, it is found that there are certain common traits. Therefore, a definition of this typical character called"feminine male"is concluded through the overall consideration. The purpose of this thesis is to inform the readers of this definition by arranging and analyzing the representation of this character, the reasons of its formation and its social influence.First of all, based on its concept, it clarify the personality of the"typical character". The theory, which is the characteristic of"feminine male"is reflected not only on the appearance of the figures, but also on their behaviors and psychological awareness, is specifically analyzed and proved by the poems, fictions, dramas, and figures in the folklores in the history of Chinese literature.Secondly, the thesis emphasizes the formative reasons of this character, of which the main one is its long-existing ethical awareness in China named"female worship". At the same time, it can be properly explained by Carl Gustav Jung's Collective Unconsciousness and Archetypal Theory, and philosophically supported by Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism in ancient China. Moreover, another reason for its formation is Chinese long-lasting feudalistic system and absolutism, the patriarchal clan system and its ethic in the last one thousand years, as well as the fact that China has always been advocating feminine grace, paid attention to the sensibility and emphasized aesthetics characterized by neutral beauty.Lastly, the thesis discuss the profound effect that the typical character,"feminine male", has on the current society. This kind of typical character not only influences the current aesthetic activities and challenge the traditional roles of male in the society, but also foresee the upcoming ear when the special beauty of males is much more preferred.