Thoreau's Confucianism in The Dial, Walden, and Civil Disobedience.

Up to the present American critics have overlooked the influence of Confucianism on Henry David Thoreau. In fact, Thoreau's long-time study of Confucius greatly enriched his thought and contributed to his spiritual and intellectual growth. Prior to Thoreau's study of Confucius, Thoreau did not publish any of his works. Early in 1843 Thoreau edited and published sixty-three Confucian scriptures in The Dial. These scriptures show Thoreau's deep understanding of Confucian thought which helped Thoreau develop the basic frame of his philosophy. Thoreau's Walden and Civil Disobedience bear the apparent impact of Confucian thought, in spite of the different social goals between Thoreau and Confucius. However, because of their social differences Thoreau had to distort Confucian thought whenever he resorted to the wisdom of the Chinese philosopher. My thesis will reveal how Thoreau knitted into his philosophy of life ancient Chinese sages' ideal of life and Confuicus' moral principles. It will also show the direct connection between Confucian scripture and Thoreau's passive resistance. The influences of Romanticism and Emerson will receive attention as I draw the similarities and differences among Confucian thought, Romanticism, and Emersonian views. My discussion will establish that Thoreau's study and creative use of Confucianism helped make him an important figure in American literature.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

1990

Author dc:creator

• Dong, Yalan.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Thomas, Ron E. (Ronald Edward)

• Thoreau, Henry David, 1817-1862 -- Criticism and interpretation.
• Confucianism -- Influence.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/14455

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/14455