Research on Thematic Motifs in Western Literature

Author: Jiang Chengyong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The manuscript of the monograph Research on the Motif of "Human Being" in Western Literature is the final research outcome of Professor Jiang Chengyong of Taizhou University, supported by a national fund project. This work comprehensively traces the historical trajectory of the evolution of the concept of "human being" in Western literature as culture and civilization progress, particularly during the modern industrial civilization era. It uncovers the profound humanistic significance and cultural connotations of Western literature, constructing a fundamental framework for the transformation of the concept of "human being" in Western literature. Describing the evolution of "human being" in literature against the backdrop of Western civilization and culture reveals both the connection between Western literature, culture, and civilization from a cultural perspective and the paradoxes inherent in culture itself (i.e., the paradox between culture, civilization, and human beings). This makes literature both subordinate to culture and rebellious against it (e.g., how literature portrays the constraints of religious culture, scientific culture, and industrial civilization on human beings, as well as human rebellion). The study of the value and meaning of human self-life is a tradition in Western culture and also a deep driving force behind the evolution of Western literature, as stated by Maxim Gorky: "Literature is the study of human beings." As humanity advances in the historical process of civilization, Western literature has consistently depicted the living conditions of people in Western society. This book compares the portrayal of human living conditions in ancient Greek and Roman literature, which reflects the humanistic characteristics of the primitive and slave societies in Europe—emphasizing individuality, unrestrained desires, and the affirmation of secular life and individual life value—with the features of the Hebraic-Christian literary tradition, which respects reason, prioritizes the collective, and embodies a religious humanistic consciousness that values transcendental life. From a macro perspective, the book traces the historical changes of Western society, Western civilization, and the evolution of humanistic concepts in literary history, uncovering and interpreting the profound humanistic significance of Western literature and its relationship with the evolution of social value concepts. By taking culture as a reference and human beings as the starting point, the book analyzes the historical transformation of the concept of "human being" in Western literature, aiming to construct a fundamental framework for the evolution of this concept. It can be considered a breakthrough in the field of comparative literature research. Readers can see that Western literature has always echoed the questioning of human souls, permeated with profound, deep, and intense humanistic spirit and life awareness, and radiating the brilliance of human nature.