Melody Of Nature: Chorus Transcending Times And Space

Lawrence once remarked: Great works can transcend times. Lawrence and a great Chinese scholar, Zhuangzi, have confirmed this view through their impacts together. Theses two scholars were considered controversial, criticized and even condemned in their lifetime, yet their works and thoughts have been upholding and spreading by the later generations to profoundly influence our life and the world as a whole. Although from different eras and cultures, the two great scholars expressed deep affections for nature, and their works embody their intense natural consciousness. To compare their respective works, it's self-evident that they have addressed similar issues and showed shared concerns such as the power of nature, the miseries brought by civilization, the alienation and return of original human nature. Their similarities rather than the differences between them compose the chorus transcending times and physical spaces.The researches on Lawrence and Zhuangzi conducted by academia are becoming increasingly mature, particularly Chinese critics have done a lot to analyze Lawrence's works from the perspective of ecocritism. But there is a shortage of researches on their thoughts, not to mention researches on their shared views on nature. Chinese culture has long been abundant with"ecological philosophical thoughts": harmony between the heaven and human, the unity of things as well as"return to the original"are all embodiments of affections for nature. This thesis intends to analyze their views on nature from the perspective of ecocritism. Supporting by the main concerns of ecocritism, namely social ecology, natural ecology and spiritual ecology, this thesis will explore their shared views and stands on nature, civilization and human nature. The analysis on their thoughts is made possible on the appreciation of Zhuangzi and Lawrence's highest achievements and masterpieces, Women in Love and Rainbow.Views on nature involve more than physical nature itself. They are more about philosophers'concerns on humanity and civilization. Through the analysis and exploration of their thoughts and shared concerns on natural, social and spiritual crises, this thesis aims to provide inspirations in hopes of solving our crises in life.This thesis consists of six chapters:Chapter one makes a brief introduction to Lawrence's literary career and his greatest achievements, Women in Love and The Rainbow. Also included is the introduction to Zhangzi and the Chinese classic, Zhuangzi. Regarding literature review, this thesis will make a conclusion on the researches about the two scholars at home and abroad. The feasibility and significance of this thesis is covered by chapter one as well.Chapter two is to introduce the rise of ecocritism and its main concerns such as natural ecology, social ecology and spiritual ecology.Chapter three is entitled nature. In the first place, this chapter explains the broad meaning of nature, and points out that nature means more than physical nature but also involves the original principles and situations of beings. Followed are their similar views on nature.Chapter four touches upon civilization. This chapter analyzes their concerns on social issues and their hostile attitudes on social ethic codes and the destructive effects raised by the development of civilization.Chapter five shifts our concern to humanity. This chapter will unveil their concerns on the alienation and the return of humanity. As to life issues, they have proposed similar resolutions. This part comprises the core of their thoughts.Chapter six comes to conclude this thesis. This chapter makes a conclusion on this thesis. It will make their shared views clear and point out its values on the return of humanity.