Studies in Classical Chinese Male Homoerotic Literature
Date Issued
2006
Date
2006
Author(s)
Evseeff, David D.
DOI
zh-TW
Abstract
This thesis first presents the various relevant discourses on the differences between "homoerotic" and "homosexual," explaining why it is inappropriate to use the term "homosexual" in relation to homoeroticism in pre-modern Chinese literature. Then, the author discusses the evolution of the male homoerotic literary tradition in China, laying emphasis on the Ming-Qing period. Next, the author thoroughly discusses the homoerotic elements and characters throughout Cao Xueqin's novel "Dream of the Red Chamber," Jia Baoyu's gender issues, and Cao's radical interpretation of "qing" (passion), most notably its intersubjectivity. Cao extended Feng Menglong's "Cult of Passion" from the Ming period by showing that "true passion" can also exist between two males, while at the same time deconstructing the "subject/object" power relationship that had been present in nearly all homoerotic literature up until that time. Furthermore, this thesis attempts to explore the new elements that Cao added to the genre of homoerotic literature, as well as his own -- and that of his primary commentator, "Red Inkstone's -- appraisal of same-sex relationships. Finally, the author makes a comparison between "Dream of the Red Chamber" and Chen Sen's 19th century homoerotic novel "A Precious Mirror for Judging Flowers" (Pinhua baojian). By placing "Dream of the Red Chamber" within the entire socio-historical and literary context of homoerotic literature in pre-modern China, it is even more worthy of admiration
Subjects
男色
紅樓夢
同性戀
佞幸
賈寶玉
homoerotic
Dream of the Red Chamber
homosexuality
catamite
Jia Baoyu
Type
thesis
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