American Sinologist Anthony C.Yu's Study On Journey To The West

Since its birth in the Ming Dynasty,the novel Journey to the West has long been focus of scholarly attention.Both domestic and foreign scholars have actively participated in different interpretations on it.Chinese-American sinologist Anthony C.Yu is not only accredited as the best translator for complete English version of Journey to the West but also regarded as an authority on study of this novel from the perspective of religion.Based on his monographs and essays,this dissertation attempts to represent and comment on Yu's findings on Journey to the West.This dissertation can be divided into six parts.Chapter One points out the core position of religion in studies of Journey to the West.And findings from American sinologist Anthony C.Yu(hereafter Yu)have an important referential significance in religious interpretations on Journey to the West.Then it moves to current research on Yu and his works.Finally,the author expounds the research theory and methods in this dissertation.Chapters Two focuses on Yu's study on fictionality of Journey to the West.Modern scholars with Hu Shi and Lu Xun as their representatives deny the role of religion on the formation of aesthetic value of Journey to the West.Yu launches a powerful attack on their view and stresses on the contribution from religion to fictive writing of Journey to the West.He believes it's religion that transforms historical materials into fictitious elements which help create a colorful virtual world where the true glamour of the novel lies.In addition,Yu's formation basis on fictionality is also presented from perspectives of academic trend and environment of the time.Chapter Three is involved with Yu's thematic interpretations on Journey to the West.Yu claims that the staple themes throughout the novel are a tale of physical travel and adventure,a story of Buddhist karma and redemption and a pursuit of being and glory.And Yu's views have their basis on his Christian belief and his scholarly interest in pienwen.The free intellectual climate of Chicago University also provides convenience for Yu's research.Chapter Four makes an analysis on Yu's religious allegoric interpretations on Journey to the West.Yu's results can come down to the Taoist allegory of alchemical self-cultivation and the anti-pilgrimage allegory.Then this part moves to reflections onYu's religious allegorical interpretations from the perspective of differences on Western and Eastern allegories.Chapter Five summarizes Anthony C.Yu's academic characteristics and value.Yu's academic characteristics lie in flexible application of literary theory,extensive practice of multi-dialogue and interdisciplinary research.His academic experience has important implications to spread of traditional Chinese literature in western countries.Chapter Six summarizes and evaluates the contributions and limitations of Yu's research on Journey to the West.Yu's study is a forceful complement for domestic religious interpretations on Journey to the West;meantime,it can be taken as reference for Chinese traditional literature going to the West.However,some of his conclusions are worth considering.