Different-Interpretations-of-Heroism-in-Chinese-and-American-Movies.doc

分类号 单位代码 11395 密 级 学 号 0803210229 学生毕业论文题目 对中美电影中英雄主义的不同解读作者：景艳龙指 导 教 师： 王永杰 专业技术职称: 副教授 学科（专业） 英 语 答 辩 日 期 2012年5月 2012年5月Different Interpretations of Heroism in Chinese and American MoviesA Thesis Presented to the Faculty of Foreign Language Department Yulin UniversityIn Partial Fulfillmentof the Requirements for the Degree ofBachelor of ArtsbyJing YanlongMay, 2012AcknowledgementsThis thesis would not have been completed without much generous assistance. First and foremost, I deeply appreciate my supervisor, Associate Professor Wang Yongjie, who has afforded me valuable scholarly advice and corrected my thesis patiently.I am also indebted to all the teachers in the English Department of Yulin University, who have greatly benefited my intellectual growth through their inspiring lectures.Last but not least, I am grateful to my classmates. Without their care and support I could not have completed this thesis. Abstract: Hero is the eternal topic and dream of human beings. Reflected in movies and TV plays, heroism is a foremost theme in both Western and Eastern cultures. By comparing the interpretations of Western and Chinese heroism, the differences between Western and Chinese cultures can be observed. In this thesis, American cinema, especially Hollywood movies, is chosen as the representative of the Western cinema.First of all, the definition of hero and heroism is studied and expounded in this thesis. From the angle of analytic psychology, heroism is an original desire in opposition to the alien forces in the nature. Secondly, the thesis makes a detailed analysis of heroism in Chinese and American movies. Traditional view on heroism is discussed with Drawn Sword as an example to analyze the new trend of Chinese heroism. Meanwhile, the thesis explores the interpretation of heroism in American movies. The movie Forrest Gump is attached great importance to observing the heroism that American masses pursue. Finally, the thesis makes a comparison of Chinese and American heroism and draws a conclusion. Key words: heroism; comparison; cultural distinction; Hollywood; Chinese movies.摘要：英雄是人类永恒的追求和梦想。无论是在东方文化，还是西方文化中，英雄都是影视文学中最基本的主题。通过对比英雄主义在不同文化中的诠释，可以透视中西方文化的差异。在这篇论文中，美国电影，尤其是好莱坞电影，被选作西方电影的代表。首先，本文讨论了英雄和英雄主义的定义。从精神分析学的角度来讲，英雄主义本质上是一种反对外来势力的原始欲望。其次, 这篇论文对中美影视中的英雄主义做了详细的分析, 讨论了中国传统英雄主义观点并以亮剑为例对中国英雄主义新趋向做出解析。与此同时，文章又对美国电影中的英雄主义进行了研究，从电影阿甘正传中洞察美国大众所追求的英雄主义。最后，文章就中美英雄主义做了对比并得出结论。关键词：英雄主义 比较 文化差异 好莱坞 中国电影iiiDifferent Interpretation of Heroism in Chinese and American MoviesTable of ContentsAcknowledgementsiAbstract in EngishiiAbstract in Chineseiii1 Introduction12 Chinese Heroism: the Deification of Heroes and the New Heroism32.1 Heroes in traditional Chinese movies32.2 New heroism63 American Heroism: Heroes of Common People73.1 Traditional heroism in American movies83.2 Heroism in Forrest Gump104 Comparison Between American and Chinese Heroism.145 Conclusion15References17榆林学院2012届外语系本科毕业论文Different Interpretations of Heroism in Chinese and American Movies1 IntroductionHero and heroine refer to characters who，in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness，display courage and will for self sacrificethat is，heroismfor some greater good of all humanity, originally of martial courage or excellence but extended to more general moral excellence.Heroism exists in almost every place of the worldDifferent cultures have different definitions of heroism，and each culture shapes its own unique heroesHeroism is one of the fundamental driving forces of human life and the concrete manifestation of certain cultural pursuitTo some extent，heroism affects the development of the societyHeroism comes from the human experience of overcoming adversity and fulfilling the desire to do great actsHeroism can be positive achievements such as an excellence of skill in living, not being afraid of death，never giving up or self-sacrifice.Most people learn heroism in a visual way，such as watching science fiction films，reading novels and myths，etcWestern movies like Superman，Spiderman，007,The First Blood and Chinese movies like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero, and Assembly are a11 familiar to the audience. All heroes in the two cultures leave a deep impression on the audience.Those people，who face death with no fear and do what they should do，can be given the title of heroBut the definition of hero doesnt necessarily mean people should seek death and destruction，because death is not equal to value，just as being alive is not equal to worthlessnessDeath is the ultimate outcome when we fight against all our livesBut sometimes loss of life is seen as nobleSelf-sacrifice is seen as heroic if service is believed to be done to benefit othersThe concept that heroism is self-sacrifice for a noble ideal is clearly alive in the West todayObjectivism adds the insight that this kind of excellence is of the noblest spiritual character：It is basic for people who should cherish the life and create value rationally. In its fullest sense, then, this view of heroism, so appropriate to the American way of life, is greatness of loyalty to value.Chinese heroism always lays emphasis on collective interests in view of the overall situation, especially national interests. Most of the Chinese heroes comply with the destiny. Its probably for the best that todays heroes are spandex-clad cyclists，or TV characters with superhuman abilities. The greatest heroes are born in times of real tribulation. Real heroism has to do with challenging power and authority for a noble cause.The corresponding Chinese expression of hero is “英雄”. The word “英” means the best grown plantlet in a clump and its extended meaning is “someone talented. The word “雄” means the strongest individual in a herd and also extends to mean “someone who has excellent courage and leadership”The two words，when put together, come to mean “a hero”Hero worship starts from the emergence of human society and has been persistent throughout the process of human history. Heroic impulse is the fundamental driving force of human life，which to some extent，influences the development of the society. Thus, a society cannot develop without heroism. Meanwhile, a hero must act in line with current social value.American heroism is a noble spirit and self- sacrifice for others, for nation, and even for the whole human-being in recent days, for example, the heroism of people in World War II. What we think heroic now depends crucially on what we think noble. Strength is heroic if excellence of strength is noble. Self-sacrifice is heroic if service to a cause or to others is noble. The concept that heroism is self-sacrifice for a noble ideal is clearly alive in America today. And we can also find American heroism in the form of courage. Courage is the virtue of pursuing ones values consistently in the face of risk. It is not courageous to seek death and destruction. Nor is it courageous if a foolhardy person acts disregarding of the risks. Indeed, it should be encouraged that one knows the risk one faces, and accepts it. In World War II, although they knew that they might die, the soldiers still had themselves sent to the European battlefield, and fought against the enemies. At last, they sacrificed themselves but earned the peace for the majorities. The spirit they incarnate is a kind of heroism. And in 2001, the terrorist attacks on September 11 showed us good and evil, heroism and villainy. There were people who faced death, set aside fear, and did what they needed to do. Firefighters and policemen strode into burning buildings to save lives. Passengers attacked armed hijackers with their bare hands. They also incarnated the American heroism.Different cultures shape their unique heroes according to their own respective value systems. In the manifestation of heroism, both China and Western countries reflect this pointHeroes that the two cultures shape in myths，literary works and television works are distinct，besides some similarities. In the following part of this thesis，the interpretations of heroism in Chinese and Western cultures will be analyzed. Moreover, the similarities and differences of heroism in China and Western countries will also be discussed.2 Chinese Heroism: the Deification of Heroes and the New Heroism2.1 Heroes in traditional Chinese moviesThe fighting against nature is along with the emergence of humankindChina has vast territory, correspondingly, every year there are many disasters in the country. The people who dare to fight against nature, are called heroesMeanwhile, those who save people in the disaster are also heroesIn Chinese myth，there is a story about one man called HouyiIn the place he lives in，there are ten suns in the sky，and all things on the ground are scorchedCrops are destroyed，the rivers dry up and the masses have no means to liveUnder this circumstance，Houyi shoots nine suns off to ensure that people live a normal lifeFlooding has been a trouble to Chinese nation for such a long periodThroughout history, there are many examples of water controlling. Yu, who is known as the emperor of the Xia Dynasty, takes his fathers place to control the Yellow River and get people out of suffering. The future generations of people praise the merits of Yu, addressing him respectfully Dayu. Later in the Warring States Period，Li Bing and his son direct people to build the Dujiang Dam，turning western Sichuan into “the land of abundance”From all these examples，we can easily find out that heroes come from the fighting against natureHowever, we discover that Luo Guanzhong has not connected Guan Yus image with the hero who fights against nature，but with the god called Lord Guan who is esteemed by the civilians for many dynastiesCommon people believe in Lord Guan，who blesses them to be the winners in the struggle against nature. Accurately, the Chinese people have no definite boundary between hero and god；it is just like Guan Yu is a hero in history and literature but a god in common peoples heart.As a literary image，Guan Yu has a special temperament and spiritLuo Guanzhong praises heroes，and Guan Yu is described as one of the most successful heroesHe is the person who sparks with the unique heroic character from his appearance to his heartLu Xun has a deep and accurate conclusion of the characters in Three Kingdoms：As for writing the human，Luo Guanzhong also has losses. In order to praise Liu Beis morality，he makes Liu Bei as a dissemblerIn order to exaggerate Zhuge Liangs multiwisdom, he shapes Zhu as a sorcerer. However, for Guan Yu, we can see the righteous generosity(Lu Xun，2009:5859).Guan Yu has extraordinary kung fu and powers，which is an important reason for his heroic image in the bookAnd his superhuman ability is mainly shown in speed，bravery and sagaciousness. For example，Guan Yu killed Yan Liang and Wen Chou in thousands upon thousands of men and horses, slew six generals and breached five passes, Guan presented himself at Lu Sus feast and flooded the enemys seven armies. Luo Guanzhong depicts Guan Yus martial ability, strategy and courageousness from many angles. The following is an example:Cao Cao has a draft of wine heated for Lord Guan before he mounts“Pour it.” says the warrior,“and set it aside for meIll be back shortly.” He leaps to his horse，grips his weapon, and is goneThe assembly of Lord Guan hears the rolling of drums and the clamor of voices outside the passAnd it seems as if the heavens will split open and the earth buckled, as if the hills are shaking and the mountains movingThe terror-struck assembly is about to make inquiry when the jingle jangle of bridle bells announce Lord Guan returnHe enters the tent and tosses Hua Xiongs head，freshly severed，on the groundHis wine is still warm(Moss Roborts, 1995: 84-85).With a thrust Lord Guan mounted, pointing his blade to the ground, he raced downhill，his phoenix eyes round and fixed，his silkworm eyebrows bristlingHe dashed into the enemy lineThe northern army parted like a wake while Lord Guan charged straight for Yan Liang，who was still under his canopyBefore Liang could identify the figure crashing toward him，the speed of Red Hare had already brought them face to faceYan Liang was too slow, and with a stroke of the blade Lord Guan pierced himBefore the stunned enemy Lord Guan dismounted and cut off the head，strapped it to the neck of his horse, remounted，and sped away, sword raised in warningAll the while it seemed as if Lord Guan was moving across an empty plain(Moss Roborts, 1995:427).The extraordinary Wushu of Guan Yu enables him to kill six generals. Although many others are afraid of daunting Hua Xiong，he is not a match with Guan Yu，who is far better than Hua XiongIn the battle of White Hills，Guan Yu kills even more staggering Yan LiangYuan Shao，the head of the allied troupes，thinks that Yan Liang is sufficient to defeat Hua XiongBut Guan Yu sends him to the heaven, too. Guan Yus “rapid speed”is not just a word，but the natural revelation of his superb martial artAs an upright hero，he also has his talent in battleHis tactics are fully demonstrated in chapters“The Man of the Magnificent Beard Rides Alone a Thousand Li”，“A Lone Sword small，Guan Presents Himself at Lu Sus Feast”and“Lord Guan Floods the Enemys Seven Armies”.Guan Yus heroism is in and outside the battlefieldHis supermans indomitable will makes him upright and heroicHua Tuo scrapes the poison from Lord Guans bone，which pushes the image to an even greater hero.2.2 New heroismWe observe that the trend of military novels inclined to heroism answers the current social spiritual demand. Mans pursuit of spirit is eternal. When screens are full of materialism and consumerism, the masses feel a failure of despair and they need a sort of new spirit to refresh and recover. Under this climate, Drawn Sword is produced. Since its first broadcasting in the second half year of 2005, it has been replayed in more than 200 local TV stations. The influence of this play is unbelievably profound. Today, if you type into “Drawn Sword Spirit” in the search of Google or Baidu, youll get tens of thousands of titles such as “企业发展，亮剑精神” or “亮剑领航永不败” and so on. The social influence and broad topics evoked by it have far surpassed the play itself. This spirit has been penetrated in every field of our country.We cannot help pondering what enables this play to be so influential. This play tells a violent story where Li Yunlong, a division commander of PLA, leads his troops to cooperate with the army of Kuomintang to fight against the Japanese invaders. The most distinguishing feature of this play lies in that it depicts successfully a brand new hero Li Yunlong. He is completely different from that kind of traditional “high, huge and whole” hero that appeared during the Cultural Revolution.“When the ancient swordsmen meet the opponents by chance in the narrow road, however strong the opponents are, even they are first-class and invincible, the swordsmen resolutely draw the swords. Even they die under the opponents swords, and theyre honorary. This is our army soul: even if the enemy troops are out of all proportion to ours, or even if we fall into layers of encirclement, we dare to draw swords!” Li Yunlong says volubly. The past war plays always contain only war rather than man, and the characters of the heroes are mostly empty and ideal. Now there are Shi Guangdong (in the play When Passion Burnt) who are not punctilious and Jiang Daya (in the play Sky of History) who say indecent words and obey the seniors order. Actually, this new heroism, on one hand, shakes off the “complex of perfection”, on the other hand, mixes heroes with common people. The characters of heroes are so full and round that the audiences now are able to see more literality of heroes.Take Li Yunlong for instance. He is completely different from the traditional heroes. He is irascible and aggressive. He never wears the army cap rightly, always wears sly smile. He never acts according to regular strategies, always seizes transient opportunity for combat, always has wicked ideas to complete impossible tasks. Depending on this wisdom in the battlefield, he makes a feint in the east and attacks in the west; in the army camp, he heartens the morale of soldiers and commands a mighty force; in front of his superior, he pretends to be dumb. He cherishes the talents, holds banquet to select talented soldiers, and yet affords meat to the able soldiers only. In usual exercises, he orders the soldiers to fight hand to hand with real blade and gun in order to ensure fewer casualties and more victories in the battlefield. He makes great contribution yet he has quite a few bad habits and often makes mistakes. 3 American Heroism: Heroes of Common PeopleAmericans believe calling the United States a “Cowboy Culture” pays them the highest compliment. Americans love heroes and heroes have been in their consciousness and media more than any other country. America has a history of attributing heroes with extraordinary virtues and exalting them on lofty pedestalsMost of American heroes have embodied the warriors or kings，the winners in battle，on athletic playing fields and in business enterprises. So America has survived and thrived at home and abroad as a symbol of both freedom and powerBut following the Vietnam War，the Civil Right Movement and Watergate Event，the truths give way to gray areas of ambiguity and disillusionmentAmerican people find that nothing is sacredpioneer legends are turned into disappoi