Contents

Abstract

摘  要

1. Introduction-1

1.1. Research background-1

1.1.1 The Classics of Songs-1

1.1.2. James Legge-1

1.2. Research significance-1

1.3. Research question-2

2. Literature review-3

2.1 Previous studies of James Legge and his English version of The Classics of Songs abroad-3

2.2 Previous studies of James Legge and his English version of The Classics of Songs at home-3

3. Legge’s reconstruction of characters in The Classics of Songs-5

3.1. Definition of gender reconstruction-5

3.2 Specific reconstruction of gender roles-5

3.3 Classification of the reconstructions-6

4. Legge’s attitude towards Chinese traditions reflected from his reconstruction-7

4.1. Advocating Chinese tradition of textual interpretation-7

4.2. Appreciating neo-Confucian’s promotion of moral virtue-7

4.3. Disagreement on ethical teachings-8

4.4. Divergence between philosophical methods-8

5. Possible reasons for Legge’s reconstruction-10

5.1. Missionary strategies-10

5.2. Biblical interpretation of the Confucian value-11

5.3. Scottish Common Sense Philosophy-12

5.4. Compromise between two cultures-13

6. Conclusion-14

References-15