Title
of Paper: "The Dilemma of Choice: The Notion of Self and the Theme of
(In)Tolerance in Modern Chinese Literature"
Presenter:
Terry Siu-han Yip
Abstract:
The pre-modern Chinese concept of the self
has been primarily a relational role-self defined by socio-familial relationships.
It was not until the early twentieth century with the introduction of Western
cultures and ideologies into China that this Confucian notion of self came
under scrutiny and challenge.
A close look at the nature of conflicts
confronted by young intellectuals of the time and the moral dilemmas faced by
the younger generation as treated in the writings of Su Manshu, Mao Dun, Tian
Han and/or Ba Jin clearly reveals the debate over tolerance and/or intolerance
to change and modernization in the Chinese society. Through the study of the
theme of (in)tolerance, with special emphasis on those young intellectuals
caught in the currents of socio-political change and the moral dilemmas
experienced, one may come to a better understanding of the tension between
tradition and modernity, as well as the interplay between individualism and
collectivism, and between conformity and non-conformity.