Critical Reading of Walden from the Perspective of Chinese and Western Cultures

Abstract

Chinese traditional thoughts have a great influence on Western literature and American Transcendentalism. Given Sino-western culture differences and Thoreau’s language limitations, by making a comparative analysis of Confucianism-Taoism implied in the essay and Thoreau’s transcendentalism, this paper aims to understand and interpret objectively and realistically elements of Chinese traditional culture in Walden so as to further think about how to maintain the cultural consciousness and cultural confidence of Chinese traditional culture. To start with the interpretation of the writing background of Walden and the author's personal identities, critical reading of Walden from different perspectives of Chinese and Western cultures is of great significance for the interpretation of the essence of Chinese and Western cultures, which contributes to guiding positive world views, outlooks on life and values, and better appreciating Chinese traditional culture and transcendentalism involved in Walden.