Date of Award

2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Humanities

First Advisor

Zhang, Jing

Keywords

White Snake, Chinese Fable, Chinese Morals

Area of Concentration

Chinese Language and Culture

Abstract

In this paper I examine how two versions of "White Snake"�"Madam White is Kept Forever Under Thunder Peak Tower" and The Precious Scroll of Thunder Peak,� examine Buddhist and Confucian ethics involving the family, love, lust, obsession, compassion, filial piety, and the definition of humanity. Chapter One summarizes and discusses the cultural concepts in the "White Snake" fable including family patriarchy, the Three Teachings (Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism), and the print culture during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Chapter Two looks at the methods of introducing the characters, the fable itself, and how Lady White's morals and demonic qualities are made relevant to the reader. In Chapter Three, I analyze the conflicting views of Buddhist compassion and morals. These clashing views lead to characterization changes and the eventual redemption of Lady White in The Precious Scroll. Chapter Four examines the second part of The Precious Scroll, which emphasizes Buddhist morals and proper behavior, while strongly supporting Confucian familial values.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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