Options
"Pi pa ji" ru jia lun li si xiang yan jiu = A study of Confucian ethics in "Pi pa ji"
Other titles
"琵琶记"儒家伦理思想研究
Author
Koh, Siew Ping
Abstract
Pi Pi Ji was written by Gao Zecheng, a famous playwright of the Yuan Dynasty. Ever since its publication, the play has been very well-received.
Gao Zecheng states clearly in the opening act that his main concern in the play is on the filial and the virtuous. Differences arise over the interpretation of the statement, and there has been endless debate on the theme of the play. Opinions differ on whether the play was written to advocate Confucian ethics, or to serve the feudal ruler.
The author of this thesis takes the former view. She believes that the Pi Pa Ji will, as all well-written literary works do, exert a great influence on the reader. She chooses to write on the Pi Pa Ji because she believes it is worth to be introduced to the young of our times. She also believes that the play will help to educate our youngsters.
The author begins with a brief account of Gao Zecheng's life, looking into his family and education background, his official career and his intention of writing the Pi Pa Ji. This is followed by a study of the Confucian ethical concepts in the play. She classifies the Confucian ethical terms found in the play into five categories:
1) filial piety,
2) female virtues,
3) loyalty,
4) harmonious community relationship , and
5) others
A most commendable technique that Gao Zecheng uses is to put the various characters in ethical dilemmas and role conflicts. The reader is thus stimulated, and will ponder together with the characters what they should do. In this way, Confucian ethics and morality are subtly implanted in the readers mind. How Gao Zecheng uses this technique will be the focus of Chapter Four. Concrete examples of how the characters face and solve the dilemmas (such as the conflicting demands between filial piety and loyalty to the ruler) will be analysed.
In Chapter Five, the author will discuss the educational significance of the play in our modem society. She will also explore into ways of how the play can be modified and introduced to our youngsters.
Gao Zecheng states clearly in the opening act that his main concern in the play is on the filial and the virtuous. Differences arise over the interpretation of the statement, and there has been endless debate on the theme of the play. Opinions differ on whether the play was written to advocate Confucian ethics, or to serve the feudal ruler.
The author of this thesis takes the former view. She believes that the Pi Pa Ji will, as all well-written literary works do, exert a great influence on the reader. She chooses to write on the Pi Pa Ji because she believes it is worth to be introduced to the young of our times. She also believes that the play will help to educate our youngsters.
The author begins with a brief account of Gao Zecheng's life, looking into his family and education background, his official career and his intention of writing the Pi Pa Ji. This is followed by a study of the Confucian ethical concepts in the play. She classifies the Confucian ethical terms found in the play into five categories:
1) filial piety,
2) female virtues,
3) loyalty,
4) harmonious community relationship , and
5) others
A most commendable technique that Gao Zecheng uses is to put the various characters in ethical dilemmas and role conflicts. The reader is thus stimulated, and will ponder together with the characters what they should do. In this way, Confucian ethics and morality are subtly implanted in the readers mind. How Gao Zecheng uses this technique will be the focus of Chapter Four. Concrete examples of how the characters face and solve the dilemmas (such as the conflicting demands between filial piety and loyalty to the ruler) will be analysed.
In Chapter Five, the author will discuss the educational significance of the play in our modem society. She will also explore into ways of how the play can be modified and introduced to our youngsters.
Date Issued
1999
Call Number
PL2694.K36 K6
Date Submitted
1999