Japanese and Chinese Images of Snakes -- Essays on Contemporary Scholars

Author: Cai Chunhua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: The author boldly breaks free from the constraints of Theodore Benz's "Indigenous Origins Theory," a representative scholar of the traditional "Transmission School," and emphasizes the perspective of the "Humanistic School": the similarities found in stories across different ethnic groups are not solely due to influence. Factors such as similar psychological development levels, comparable circumstances, and shared cultural developmental stages could all be fundamental reasons for these similarities. The author believes the Humanistic School's viewpoint 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 boundless world of imagery, there remains an inherent similarity that 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 literatures. 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 "Worldwide Factors" concept.