Snake imagery in Chinese and Japanese literature

Author: Cai Chunhua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: The author boldly breaks free from the constraints of Theodore Benfey's "Indigenous Origin Theory," a representative scholar of the traditional "Transmission School," and emphasizes the perspective of the "Humanistic School." According to this view, similarities in stories across different ethnic groups are not solely the result of influence; factors such as shared psychological development levels, similar circumstances, and overlapping cultural developmental stages could also be fundamental reasons for these similarities. The author believes the Humanistic School's perspective is correct. Today, human life phenomena do not show significant differences despite the vast disparities in living environments. Physiological similarities and overlapping cultural developmental stages repeatedly shatter the mystery of human life. Ultimately, human life is determined by genetic factors, and its essence does not exhibit major differences. Reflected in the spiritual and cultural aspects, within the infinitely rich world of imagery, an inherent similarity still maintains connections. Influence transmission cannot be the sole reason for this internal connection. Based on this fundamental point, the author studies artistic images in Chinese and foreign literature. Her research approach is broad-minded and unobstructed, agile and not superficial. In terms of theoretical research, it represents an exploration and advancement of the "World Factors."