Abstract
Abstract This thesis makes a study of the corresponding relationship between Zhuangzi‘s linguistic philosophy and narrative structure. I suppose the theory of “goblet words,” which is from Chapter 27 of Zhuangzi, as the power to make Zhuangzi‘s linguistic philosophy possible, and press on the role of the interpreter of “the ideal figure,” by whom we could realize what “the ideal figure” really counts. Due to considerable quantities of dialogues for “the ideal figure” existing in Zhuangzi, I add up and analyze the figures in “Dialogues for the Ideal Figure.” As a result, I find a specifically narrative mode in Zhuangzi: “paradox-goblet words”, which is used as the way to elucidate and elaborate Zhuangzi’s thoughts. What’s even more interesting is that Confucius, used to be considered as a clown in Zhuangzi, is the one most frequently appearing in the hub of Zhuangzi‘s narrative mode: “paradox-goblet words.” Therefore, I use this thesis to show my thinking progress upon the corresponding relationship between Zhuangzi‘s linguistic philosophy and narrative structure. First, add up and analyze the statistics of “Dialogues for the Ideal Figures.” Second, think over how “horizon of the question” of the interpreter would influence upon dialogues’ process and effect. Third, demonstrate that “paradox-goblet words,” the linguistic structure of Zhuangzi, represent the entire course for interlocutors to uncover the truth and to show the significance of life-world. Fourth, use the figures of Confucius and Yellow Emperor, who dwell in the hub of Zhuangzi‘s “paradox-goblet words”, to explain the relationship between man and Dao in Zhuangzi. Since we could find not only a large number of innovative words and figures but also an article, “Yuyan,” to spell out the usage of words in Zhuangzi, we should take Zhuangzi‘s linguistic philosophy more seriously. For this reason, I make this thesis to study on the relationship between Zhuangzi‘s linguistic philosophy and narrative structure, hereby to uncover the significance of Zhuangzi’s thoughts. Keywords: Zhuangzi, the ideal figure, dialogues, “paradox-goblet words”, Confucius, Yellow Emperor