清教主義對美國文學(xué)的影響的論文

1、學(xué)號：哈爾濱師范大學(xué)學(xué)士學(xué)位論文題 目 清教主義對美國文學(xué)的影響學(xué) 生 指導(dǎo)教師 講師年 級 專 業(yè) 英語教育系 別 英語教育系學(xué) 院 哈 爾 濱 師 范 大 學(xué)學(xué)士學(xué)位論文開題報(bào)告論文題目 清教主義對美國文學(xué)的影響學(xué)生姓名 指導(dǎo)教師 講師年 級 級 班專 業(yè) 英 語 教 育2012年 3 月說 明本表需在指導(dǎo)教師和有關(guān)領(lǐng)導(dǎo)審查批準(zhǔn)的情況下，要求學(xué)生認(rèn)真填寫。說明課題的來源（自擬題目或指導(dǎo)教師承擔(dān)的科研任務(wù)）、課題研究的目的和意義、課題在國內(nèi)外研究現(xiàn)狀和發(fā)展趨勢。若課題因故變動時(shí)，應(yīng)向指導(dǎo)教師提出申請，提交題目變動論證報(bào)告。課題來源：導(dǎo)師指導(dǎo)下自擬題目。清教主義對美國文學(xué)的影響課題研究的目的和

2、意義：目的： 由于清教主義傳統(tǒng)在美國社會生活中的獨(dú)特地位，它也對美國文學(xué)產(chǎn)生很大影響。事實(shí)上，如果對于美國清教傳統(tǒng)沒有足夠的了解的話，就會失掉文學(xué)文本里的許多豐富內(nèi)容。不僅如此，有時(shí)候作品里看似含混不清或者令人困惑的部分也許在清教傳統(tǒng)的背景之下加以理解就很有啟發(fā)性。意義：從某種角度來看，清教主義已經(jīng)不單單是宗教神學(xué)意義上的術(shù)語，而是滲透到社會生活乃至文學(xué)藝術(shù)領(lǐng)域的一個(gè)重要概念。由此，我們也可以推斷出神學(xué)關(guān)注與宗教思想在文學(xué)批評中的地位和作用。本文通過對清教主義對美國文學(xué)影響的研究，可以使我們更加透徹地了解美國文學(xué)背后的內(nèi)涵。 國內(nèi)外同類課題研究現(xiàn)狀及發(fā)展趨勢：國外：盡管17世紀(jì)清教徒還沒有產(chǎn)生

3、嚴(yán)格意義上的純文學(xué)作品，清教主義對當(dāng)時(shí)文學(xué)的創(chuàng)作的制約與影響是明顯的。由于宗教和藝術(shù)關(guān)注的都是人類的終極價(jià)值觀和前途命運(yùn)，二者在根本意義上可以說是協(xié)調(diào)一致的。所以清教主義思想與藝術(shù)審美必定始終密切相關(guān)。其實(shí)，許多西方學(xué)者早已注意到了宗教與文學(xué)的這一獨(dú)特關(guān)系，并對此作了許多精辟的論述。在談到二者關(guān)系時(shí)，里吉斯·米肖強(qiáng)調(diào)了清教主義對于藝術(shù)審美的意義，他認(rèn)為，“清教主義本身絕對不像很多美國批評家認(rèn)為的那樣與審美相對立，在過去它是第一位的文學(xué)動力。清教主義對于人生的悲劇觀要比大眾那種無聊的樂觀主義更為藝術(shù)化。沒有悲觀主義，就不可能有藝術(shù)。藝術(shù)就其本身而言是對生活的挑戰(zhàn)?！眹鴥?nèi)：清教主義是美國

4、文化傳統(tǒng)的重要組成部分，也是構(gòu)成美國精神的重要因素。雖然沒有文獻(xiàn)明確指出奧爾科特屬于哪一支宗教流派，但很顯然她堅(jiān)信宗教是人類生活中必不可少的重要組成部分，對上帝的信仰更是人一生中最重要的情感依靠。對于清教主義國內(nèi)的許多學(xué)者都有所研究，除了天主教以外，清教主義是唯一發(fā)明了神話和象征主義的道德體系，清教主義是整個(gè)文學(xué)想象中不可或缺的重要組成部分。在美國社會文化進(jìn)程中，清教神學(xué)思想滲透在社會生活以及文學(xué)藝術(shù)中，并通過文學(xué)想象得到了藝術(shù)地闡釋和發(fā)揮。清教思想以及美國精神在文學(xué)的體現(xiàn)值得我們進(jìn)一步發(fā)掘與探討。課題研究的主要內(nèi)容和方法，研究過程中的主要問題和解決辦法：主要內(nèi)容：本課題通過對美國清教思想的探

5、源及其對美國人在思想行為上的影響和對美國文學(xué)的影響的分析，結(jié)合深受清教主義思想影響的一些名家名作中作者對人物性格的塑造以及他們命運(yùn)的安排，還有作者在作品的結(jié)構(gòu)、語言、象征、寓意等方面的寫作手法，可以更加了解美國清教思想對美國文學(xué)的影響和意義。主要問題：1.清教主義及其教義內(nèi)涵的深刻理解2.清教主義的特點(diǎn)有哪些？3.清教主義對美國文學(xué)具體的影響有哪些？解決方法：本課題將從多方面來探討清教思想對美國文學(xué)的影響，通過對清教主義的起源和其主要的宗教教義思想的分析，對清教主義有了一定的了解。再對其宗教思想的內(nèi)涵的進(jìn)一步討論，總結(jié)出清教主義的一些特點(diǎn)和相應(yīng)的主流價(jià)值觀。最后，結(jié)合著對一些具有代表性的作家作

6、品的分析，進(jìn)一步得出清教主義對美國文學(xué)的影響。課題研究起止時(shí)間和進(jìn)度安排：1. 2011年11月11日至11月30日：選導(dǎo)師及撰寫論文方向。2. 2011年12月1日至12月31日：與導(dǎo)師商榷論文題目。3. 2012年1月1日至2012年3月15日：撰寫并提交開題報(bào)告。4. 2012年3月16日至2012年4月25日：撰寫并提交畢業(yè)論文。5. 2012年4月26日至2012年5月11日：準(zhǔn)備并參加畢業(yè)論文答辯。6. 2012年5月12日至2012年5月16日：導(dǎo)師上交所有論文材料。課題研究所需主要設(shè)備、儀器及藥品：無外出調(diào)研主要單位，訪問學(xué)者姓名：指導(dǎo)教師審查意見：指導(dǎo)教師 （簽字） 2011

7、年3月 16日教研室（研究室）評審意見：理論教研室主任 （簽字） 2011年3月 16日系（部）主任審查意見：英語系（部）主任 （簽字） 2011年3月 16日GRADUATION PAPERFOR BACHELOR DEGREE HARBIN NORMAL UNIVERSITY      TITLE: Analysis of Influences of Puritanism on American literatureSTUDENT: TUTOR: （Lecture）GRADE: Grade MAJOR: English Educa

8、tionDEPARTMENT: English Education DepartmentCOLLEGE: Faculty of Western Languages and Literatures  May, 2012Analysis of Influences of Puritanism on American literatureBAI Chun-huiAbstract: As a red line the Puritan tradition has specified the United States from colonial times to today's pol

9、itical culture and social culture. Puritanism is a milestone of the development and direction of American Literary. A national literary produce, development and prosperity always are influenced by its ideology, culture, customs and moral habits and values, etc. American literature has been strong in

10、fluenced of Puritanism since its budding time, too. The effect is profound and extensive extremely, so it can not be ignored in the study of American literature. Through analyzing the origins, the philosophy, the characteristics and impacts on mainstream American values of Puritanism, in order to ex

11、plore deeply the influence of Puritanism on American Literature, the essay says specifically that American Puritanism has impacted greatly on American literary writing attitudes, writing themes and symbolic writing styles, and so on.Keywords: Puritanism; values; Literature; Attitude; Theme; Symbolis

12、m1. IntroductionIt is self-evident that the importance of understanding Puritanism to study American literature. the body of this article is divided totally into four parts: first, it introduces the Puritanism and its philosophy, in order to have an initial understanding of Puritanism; second, the a

13、nalysis of some of the features of Puritanism, so that understand clearly their expression of ideas; then, it discusses Puritanism influences on American literature, which lists some representative works of writers for readers to understand the article very well; Finally, the part makes a summary of

14、 the entire article. 2. Puritanism and Its PhilosophyThese first immigrants were far away from continental Europe in 1620 by the “Mayflower”, with mixed feelings to start their colonial pioneer in New England, Plymouth. According to statistics, from 1630 to 1640, foreign Puritans fled were about 60,

15、000, of which a considerable portion of people crossed the ocean fearlessly and moved to the desolated North American continent, later in New England and other places to establish colonies. War of Independence broke out in 1775, at least 75% of people who grew up in a Puritan family in more than 260

16、 million inhabitants of the 13 colonies. Due to the large number of Puritans were highly educated, had a religious cohesion, had a tremendous impact on the development of the colony, Puritans gradually became the mainstream American cultural groups, namely the WASP (a devout Protestant, with the whi

17、te of English descent). They brought on “Justification by faith, the idea of calling, a city upon a hill” and other core Puritan conceptions to North America to practice their own beliefs and ideals in this barren and unfamiliar land. The hardships and success of pioneering work make the New World c

18、olonists believe the relationship between individual effort and success. They realize that a sober, honest and industrious style is entrepreneurs a conception developed which provide the necessary quality. Moreover according to the Puritan doctrine, even though God had already decided his constituen

19、ts, however, voters exactly who is unknown, so everyone wants to succeed through personal struggle, to prove their own is probably the darling of God. In this way, the importance of personal struggle, prompt the individualism of American character to begin to sprout, and led to the formation of the

20、so-called "American Ideal". This ideal that one person in the bottom of society think he and his offspring can gain success and recognition through individual efforts, had inspired a generation of after generation and played a very important role in the American development process. After

21、World War I, people shocked by the cruelty of war and the postwar depression. Then ideal was disillusioned, and appeared the emergence of the "Lost Generation". Even so, individualism, individuality is still a notable feature in the American character. This feature, although lost the relig

22、ious fanaticism of Puritanism early, the pursuit of personal success is undoubtedly need the quality of the hard-working, self-control and hard-working Puritanism advocated. Moreover, the kind of the sacred sense of self-righteous Americans and superiority morally seems to be traced back to the init

23、ial self-styled as the Secession Puritan, because they think others are not as good as their own spirituality at the very start, their spirituality closer to God.3. The Characteristics of Puritanism3.1 Original Sin and Predestination        The Puritans advoca

24、ted that person should respect and obey God. This beliefs deep root is worry and fear about the original sin. In the Puritan view, humans are born evil, and this original sin can be passed down from generation to generation. Deeply influenced by Calvinism, the Puritans have a firm confidence- Purita

25、nism, they believe that God determines everything, and before things happen, God unilaterally decide who should be saved, and who should leave.  The Puritans believed that they are God's chosen people, God, beautiful and rich North America has given them as their native land, the purpose is

26、 to allow them this piece of land to build a New Jerusalem, the pursuit of freedom of belief and the new Garden of Eden. The historical development of mankind, they undertake a mission of the Holy Spirit. Voyage to North America, the leaders of Puritanism Winthrop quoted in the story of the Bible, a

27、s such predictions: We will become a city upon a hill in the entire world, the eyes of people around the world are looking at us, if we are in the process of realization of this undertaking to deceive God, if God help us like today we will become the laughing stock of the world.Over the years, the s

28、ense of mission has been an important part of the mentality of the American social and cultural values. To many Americans, God given them sacred mission, asked them to set an example for the world in pursuit of their own practice and career, respected the ideas of freedom and justice, led human bein

29、g be free from sin and towards the Promised Land . This sense of mission to save the world from misery is always accompanied by the American history of the development process, strongly influenced the views and attitudes of Americans on the outside world. Tracing the source of many scholars believe

30、that this awareness is largely originated the concept of the Puritanism of the city upon a hill.All of these, when reflected in literature, is a eulogy, praising the great God, advertising the fundamentalist religious doctrines. They blame the human degradation and more important to praise the indom

31、itable spirit the saints, to warn the world.3.2 Limited Atonement and Hard WorkThe Puritans believed that the most important thing is to prove someone own is Gods election as an ordinary person, according to the understanding of the Bible, so they feel they obliged to administer state affairs. They

32、work hard, follow the saints in life, and restrain themselves with extreme moral standards. Thus, when the earliest settlers arrived in the primeval forest, and saw the vast wilderness land without reclaimed before them, they find that God must be a definite purpose to send them to there. The people

33、 chosen, they believe they should rebuild the federal restoration of lost paradise, and built a new Garden of Eden in the wilderness. Under this firm belief, the Puritans as well as all Americans believe that they are able to realize to loyalty to God.On the point, it shows that mainstream American

34、value is the idea of calling.  The idea of vocation advocates mundane labor and occupation of each person engaged in which arrangements made by God, given to each person's vocation. God agreed people's way of life not to beyond the secular moral by their asceticism, but to each person t

35、o complete the responsibilities and obligations of their status in this world, so anyone in the secular life in this world do not escape, only fulfill their duties in the earth, via hard work, dedication to the glory of God, to prove that they are God's chosen people and gain a save. In accordan

36、ce with the concept of calling, careers have any difference of high and low, gentle and simple, which have the equal value from God.  In the Puritans opinion, a career whether it is useful, and can win the favor of God, depends on it provide the extent of the amount of wealth and private profit

37、 for the community. It is only a pragmatic spirit to get rich. In earthly activities, it is the most powerful evidence that a person become God's chosen people but not abandoned. Wealth is not the root of all evil, but the mark of Gods blessing. In this way, the fortune is Gods will, means that

38、a person can fulfill professional responsibilities to be saved into heaven.3.3 Individualism and EntrepreneurshipEarly Puritans believed that survival is not an easy task, even if they are full of unexpected dream. They must be bold and tough pioneer, explore and conquer the magical world and spread

39、 the blessings of God to every corner of the world. Them given the unique characteristics of individualism to themselves and their descendants, and the spirit of the early work has a strong sense of mission and a strong desire to succeed. Individualist promotes the individual objectives and activiti

40、es. The entrepreneurial spirit is that people should perform the arrangement of God with the dedication and sense of responsibility. In the literature that individualism and entrepreneurship is performance in the glorification of the American Creed and their fervent desire for the innovation of the

41、American dream. Individualism as a core of mainstream American values, derived from Puritanism, and over time, has penetrated into all aspects of American life. Individualism is in the embodiment of American daily life, such as Aggressive, outstanding personality, emphasizing individual rights

42、and freedoms, respect for the privacy of others, advocating self-struggle, self-reliance and initiative, the courage to explore and the creation of something new, contempt for authority, and value equality, inclusive diversity at the same time frank expression of different views and opinions, and so

43、 on.American historian Degler said, "Individualism is the core of Puritanism bequeathed to future generations. If Americans are individualists, Puritanism is the main source of individualism." Puritanism was born in English Reformation period, subjected to the European continental Martin L

44、uther and John Calvin Protestant ideological influence It is the great rebellion against authority, to resist the spirit of privilege, and perform a strong puritanical individual prominent and demonstrate self-awareness. The theoretical come from the source of the Protestant advocate of “Justificati

45、on by faith”4. American Literature Was Influenced by PuritanismFrom produce of Puritanism to Transcendentalism in the 19th century, the influence of Puritanism have shaped America's national spirit in the hundreds of years, nurturing the national literature of the United States. This effect has

46、felt in all aspects of social and cultural so far. Do not understand Puritanism, you can not really understand the United States and American literature.The early literature in the United States, regardless of religious fanaticism in the early colonial literature, or the concepts of narrative about

47、the legendary Romantic literature of Puritanism original sin, or Transcendentalism Literature strengthen harmony with people and nature and pure moral attention, we can see the impact of Puritanism. Subsequently, whether it is realism, naturalism, the Lost Generation, American value, contemporary li

48、terature, attention of the fate of individuals, or preference aloof stray hero is different from the literature characteristics of other country. These American features of individuality and stubborn of deviation theme are still relevant to Puritanism. Thus, to the United States, Puritanism is not j

49、ust a doctrine, but also a culture deep-rooted impact on the American character and American literature. In certain sense, it is Puritanism that the American people and American literature has its own characteristics.4.1 Important Aspects of Puritanism Influences on American LiteratureThough the und

50、erstanding of Puritanism contribution in American literature, Puritanism influenced on American literature from the three aspects: the writer's values and attitudes, literature writing theme, and symbolic skills.4.1.1Values and AttitudesOptimistic Individualism      

51、;  Puritans in the new world looking forward to living in perfect command, eager to create a new Garden of Eden in order to set an ideal society. When they face of danger and difficulties, the inspiration of the holy mission will make them full of optimism and fearless. The optimistic spir

52、it of Puritanism left to the Americans, shaping the optimism of American toward their life and the whole world. In the literature, the attitude is showed as a celebration of American Creed. The optimistic spirit of Puritanism has been fully reflected in the works of many American writers. In this Ha

53、wthornes period actually has the Renaissance in the United States, which is the first time literary activities in the United States - Transcendentalism. Transcendentalism emphasizes intuition, and it believe that people can perceive the outside world through perception and intuition, to achieve harm

54、ony and unity with God and nature; it emphasis on individualism, believe that the individual is the most important element in the society, the ideal state is self-sustaining. On the surface, transcendentalism abandoned the religious factor, essentially retained the significant features of the Purita

55、n: pure morality; harmony and unity of human being, God and natural; God is everywhere; thrifty attitude to life, etc. Based on these ideas, we see excellent spokesperson for Emerson and Thoreau's prose. Emerson's Nature described the relationship amount of people, God and nature, and people

56、 can find the heart by intuition, to achieve communication with God. Thoreau's “Walden "described about life, and people in harmony with nature, and condemned the excessive pursuit of human material. Thus, Transcendentalism is essentially like a moral compass, tend to the best side of human

57、ity, and believed that the personal dignity and worth, and called on people to abandon the old customs and traditions, to create a new kind of their own American literature. Whitman, in his work Leaves of Grass, sang warmly a praise of the new nation in the continental United States, and was full of

58、 confidence and hope for the future of the United States, which is inseparable from the optimism of the pioneers of Puritanism. In addition, the early settlers had pursued Thomas Jeffersons Declaration of Independence referred to freedom, democracy and happiness. The influence of the spirit of the Declaration of Independence had lasted later a hundred years.4.1.2 ThemeContradiction