On a Chinese Screen · Chapter
XXXVIII: The Philosopher explained
The narrator visits a renowned Confucian philosopher in a remote Chinese city.
What happens
The narrator visits a renowned Confucian philosopher in a remote Chinese city. The philosopher, a passionate defender of old China, condemns Western influence and the machine gun as the true source of Western superiority. He laments the loss of tradition and the rise of individualism. After a lengthy discourse, the narrator requests a sample of his calligraphy, receiving two poems that reveal a personal and poignant reflection on love and loss.
Themes in this chapter
Cultural Clash and Misunderstanding
The philosopher's passionate critique of Western arrogance and the machine gun as a symbol of Western dominance highlights the deep cultural divide.
Loss of Tradition and Modernity
The philosopher laments the decline of Confucian learning and the rise of Western education, symbolized by his daughter being the 'last flower of this great nation’s Fall.'
Futility of Western Superiority
The philosopher argues that Western superiority is based solely on technological violence, not moral or intellectual achievement, and predicts its eventual collapse.
Characters to notice
- The Philosopher
The Confucian scholar who hosts the narrator, defends traditional Chinese civilization, and shares his poetry.
- The Taipan
The narrator's host who initially tries to summon the philosopher in a cavalier manner.
- The Consul
Mentioned as the one who provided information about the philosopher's reputation and habits.
- The Stranger
The narrator himself, who seeks out the philosopher and engages in conversation.
Key passages
“You have shattered the dream of our philosophers that the world could be governed by the power of law and order. And now you are teaching our young men your secret. You have thrust your hideous inventions upon us.”
The philosopher accuses Westerners of destroying the Confucian ideal of governance through wisdom and of imposing their destructive technology on China.
This captures the philosopher's central argument about the moral bankruptcy of Western imperialism.
“I thought she heralded the Spring of a new era. She was but the last flower of this great nation’s Fall.”
The philosopher reflects on his daughter's birth coinciding with the revolution, seeing her not as a symbol of renewal but as the final bloom of a dying civilization.
This poignant metaphor underscores the theme of loss and the end of an era.
“You cannot expect me to betray myself. Ask one of your English friends. Those who know most about China know nothing, but you will at least find one who is competent to give you a rendering of a few rough and simple lines.”
The philosopher refuses to translate his poems, dismissing Westerners' understanding of China as superficial.
This highlights the philosopher's disdain for Western ignorance and his insistence on cultural authenticity.