A Study on Biography of the Lord of Xinling in Records of the Grand Historian

• Main Authors: LIU,YI-MING, 劉憶銘
• Other Authors: KE,KO,CHIN-HU
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/7rk898

碩士 === 玄奘大學 === 中國語文學系碩士在職專班 === 102 === In Records of the Grand Historian, The lord of Xinling is a model. He is kind to other scholars, modest, and courteous, which can be proved in the historical event “saving Xhao by stealing hufu (tiger tally).” Biography of the Son of the Duke Wei” also presents this modeling image. It is said that understanding the person helps to understand his book. After we realize the miserable fortune and experience of Sima Qian, we can conclude that this book, for him, is not a matter of personal honor but an extension of his spirits and life. As time passes by, the everlasting model of Sima Qian is therefore preserved. The first chapter of my thesis is the introduction to my study purpose and the literature review. The related study methods are applied to study on the topic. In Chapter Two, I will discuss Sima Qian’s writing on the Lord of Xinling. He depicts how the Lord of Xinling (who is also called the son of the Duke Wei) treats his subordinate scholars with courtesy. The Lord is willing to listen to the advice from the lower social classes with a sincere heart. And he finally steals hufu (tiger tally) to save Xhao, which can be seen as the greatest achievement in his life. In Chapter Three, I will comment on the characters in “Biography of the Son of Duke Wei,” analyze and compare the description of and the relations between the characters. In this way, I intend to understand the advantages and disadvantages which the author Sima Qian emphasizes in evaluating the characters. In Chapter Four, I make a comparison among the four lords of the Warring States Period and find the difference on their attitude in employment, the way they communicate with and treat their guests, their responses to others’ different opinions, and their ability of distinguishing the superior talents. In Chapter Five, I discuss the writing styles of Sima Qian, who conveys his messages in his works. His personal attitude and point of views are expressed in his writing of the historical records. In his realistic and precise judgment, the Lord of Xinling is the model he aspires for. Finally, I make a conclusion that the model does not fade with time but shines in the turbulent era.