Lacquer Screen Essay
Confucianism was one of the most influential of the four Great Traditions in ancient China. However, it did not become such a big way of life until after Confucius' death, as he only had a small number of disciples following him during his lifetime. Confucianism stressed the importance of some of the greatest virtues of life, including filial piety, Jen, Chi, Yung, and Li, as these represented devotion to the parents, benevolence, wisdom, moral courage, and ritual, and were the keys to achieving moral goodness. With Confucianism being such a popular way of life, the government was obviously influenced by it, and it was a working way to govern society. All of these aspects of Confucianism are seen in Robert Van Gulik's novel, The Lacquer Screen. The Confucian ideal end of government would be governing by moral force, rather than harsh laws and restrictions. Confucius believed that governing by moral force would be much more effective than scaring the society with the consequences of breaking the laws. This ideal is shown throughout The Lacquer Screen, as the reader follows Judge Dee throughout the Wei-ping district. Judge Dee is visiting Wei-ping from the Peng-lai, where he is a magistrate. During his visit, he finds that
However important filial piety was in Confucianism, it was not the only virtue. It was the root of all virtue, with Jen, Chi, Yung, and Li resulting from filial piety. Jen was the virtue of benevolence. In Confucianism, goodness cannot come without benevolence. Judge Dee displays this virtue to the fullest as he shows nothing but kindness to those who follow the Way, and even to those who do not, and he is the most superior person in the novel. Wisdom was another virtue, represented by Chi. Wisdom comes with age, as one learns more and more as they grow older. Such is the case with the Student. Because of his young age, he is seen as not being as wise and therefore cannot be given much responsibility. This was important in Confucianism as one learned more and more, they understood the Way better and better. Yung, the virtue of moral courage, was essential in following the Way. Not having the courage to do what was morally right would keep one from becoming superior. The virtue of ritual was very important in Confucianism. This virtue, Li, brought an order and togetherness for all followers. All of these virtues tied together the ideals and purpose of Confucianism, which was of moral goodness. Ancient China was influenced by many ideals of thinking. Confucius believed that morals were the key to superiority in life and that people should be governed by moral force. He believed that there were several virtues that could lead people to this moral greatness. Among these were filial piety, Jen, Chi, Yung, and L
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1035
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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