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Agony Hidden behind the Justification of Vengence: Focussing on Revenge Narratives Based on Fillial Piety

Kang, Jong-Im 1

1동국대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

Although mostly focused on blood line, the norms of ancient Chinese on revenge seems very settled. The examples of flabbergasted promises and actions of revenge is shown in many chronicles or literature. I believe that the reason for excessive generosity on vengence is because the actions are based on Confucius beliefs such as fillial piety or loyalty. Therefore vengence is considered one of the virtues even for gentlemen of China who are considered to have the complete personality. In many literature of ancient China, the characters are seen to revenge for their family or parents under the name of piety. Even the bastard sons who have never felt the love from their parents turn into god of vengence only because they are children. Even the tiniest bit of empathy or emotions of human is left aside. It is because the reasons and causes of vengence is based upon the Confusius beliefs that are absolutely believed in ancient China. Therefore, although sometimes morality and reason can be a tool to hinder vengence, but in ancient China, those reason and morality can be the reason to revenge. The revision of Wuzixu(伍子胥), bastard son of GanJiang・Moye(干將莫耶), or Zhaoshiguer(趙氏孤兒) clearly shows that the Confucius conscience is dominant over personal emotions in deep subconscious of the Chinese. Furthermore, we can take one more step forward to human nature by looking back at their agony and conflicts hidden by their Confucius reasoning.

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.