A Comparative Analysis on Chinese Chivalry and Western Knight

【Abstract】：As very unique spirits in their own respective countries， Chinese chivalrous spirit and western knight spirit have historically been popular in laboring people，which have influenced a lot Chinese and westerners. This paper makes a comparative analysis of similarities and differences between Western knight and Chinese chivalry so as to study their cultural root and influence on contemporary society. And the aim is also to discuss whether modern Chinese and westerners should learn from them.

【Key Words】： Chinese chivalry； Western knight； comparative analysis

Ⅰ. Introduction

Chinese chivalry and western knight are two very unique spirits in Chinese and western histories.Chinese chivalry refers to the qualities of Chinese chivalry， such as bravery， generosity.Western knight refers to the fine codes of those medieval knights， which includes bravery， generosity.This thesis first focuses on the similarities and differences between the two spirits. Chinese chivalry is a very special spirit in China， and meantime， knight is regarded as "the flower of the western Medieval Ages". Both of the two spirits have a deep cultural influence on their own culture and people.

Ⅱ. A Comparative Study of Chinese Chivalry and Western Knight

2.1 Similarities between Chinese Chivalry and Western Knight

2.1.1 Bravery

Bravery is a very basic and indispensable quality of Chinese chivalry and western knight. Without it， a man would not be regarded as a knight or a chivalry.

Bravery is an essential part of Chinese chivalry. It is most importantly reflected when Chinese chivalry voluntarily took justice for others even strangers， without considering their own security.

Medieval knights were also famous for their bravery. Yet， their bravery was mostly reflected in their fighting in battles， wars and martial skills competitions. S. W. Scott（1834： 4） claims that "bravery was the quickest way to become a knight， through brave fighting in battles， a man would win other people even knights' attention and respect."

2.1.2 Generosity

Generosity is another similar quality between Chinese chivalry and western knight. For Chinese chivalry， generosity is a kind of altruism.Wang Yonghao（ 汪涌豪2005b： 277） also claims that "generosity for Chinese chivalry means not help others without considering themselves， even they were not rich enough.”

Generosity is also valued a lot by western knight. In the middle ages， western knights considered generosity as their necessity for personal honor and respect from others. Not only knights but also nobles， kings and other upper class pursued and admired it as a pretty respectful quality. They not only regarded it as a symbol of social status but also a way to make other knights or their followers loyal to them.

2.2 Differences between Chinese Chivalry and Western Knight

2.2.1 The differences of rebellious spirit and anaclitic spirit

Chinese chivalrous men were a group of people who had the spirit of resistance， while the western knights were loyal to the sovereign and devoted to the country. Chivalrous men were independent in mind because they never subordinate to any organizations. However，the knights themselves occupied the part of the dominant position， belonging to the ruling class. So they never led an uprising to resist and damage their own benefits unless the exception were made. The chivalrous men emphasize on the personal action. They endowed rights and freedom with themselves regardless of the ruling from the authority. Western knight behavior was social and their main duty was to defend for their motherland. Patriotism and nationalism have been the index and guide for their action. In a word， western knights accepted the leadership and command of the monarchy， but Chinese chivalrous men did not so.

2.2.2 The different attitude to women and love

It was quite complex for Chinese chivalrous expert to treat females and love. The lack of female in the imperial world in early times reflected traditional Chinese social circumstance where man was prior to women. At the bottom of it， it was influenced by Chinese confusion culture---"Brothers such as brothers， the wife be like clothes. The clothes break ，can be stitched up； brothers break， how can be continuous". In a word， men have their wen dignity. Actually， there were many romantic love in Chinese novel about chivalry（e.g. Hongfu elope with LiJing）， but it was more common that the love only to let off his or her shameless sexual decisive.

Knights' love first appeared France， so the writer rated it as the background information and pointed out that from the late 11th century to the 12th century， the economic boom and political stability have made great contribution to the development of knights' love.

Ⅲ. Conclusion

Chinese chivalry and western knight are two spirits of two different cultures. This thesis analyzes some similarities and differences between the two spirits. Bravery， generosity and defence for the helpless， the weak， women and children are their similarities. Being brave is the basic quality for Chinese chivalry and western knight， without it a man would not be regarded as a chivalry or a knight. Although both Chinese chivalry and western knight value generosity and defence for others very much， the inner motivation of the two spirits is different. But on the whole， the two spirits show these similarities， which will help Chinese and westerners communicate each other more easily.

References

[1] Barber， R. 1975. The Knight and Chivalry [M]. Totowa： New Jersey， Totowa.

[2] Brown， J. B. 1840. Chivalry and Charity [M]. Edinburgh： General Book LLC.

[3] 郭建樓，2006，中國侠义与西方骑士精神之比较[J]，《黄山学院学报》（04）：65-68。

作者简介：王婉茹，1993年3月17出生，女，汉族，山西省运城市万荣县人，现就读于西安外国语大学英文学院2016级翻译学专业。主要研究方向：翻译理论与实践。