英文摘要 |
Lin Dai-yu is typically deemed as a representative figure of individualism in ”The Dream of the Red Chamber”. In particular her character in the early part of the novel is typically highly evaluated as ”sincere” (shuaizhen, 率真), as opposed to ”hypocritical”. This article carefully discusses such an evaluation. First, shuaizhen literally means 'straightforward' (shuai) and 'authentic' (zhen), and it is important to clarify their nuances. Second, we should carefully distinguish factual descriptions from value judgments. Equipped with these clarifications, we can compare Lin Dai-yu with other sincere-type figures. Last but not least, I discuss the background and the effect of commentators' regarding sincerity as a value of cultural pursuit, addressing both the traditional ”paradox of selfhood” (Andrew H. Plaks) and modern ego-centric individualism that recognizes individuals but not ensembles. |