THẢO NGUYÊN TRONG SINH QUYỂN CỦA ĐẤT NƯỚC TRUNG QUỐC: TRƯỜNG HỢP TÔ TEM SÓI (KHƯƠNG NHUNG) VÀ CHÓ NGAO TÂY TẠNG (VƯƠNG CHÍ QUÂN)

Abstract

This study investigates the role of the steppe within China's cultural-ecological biosphere employing an ecocritical approach to two works: Wolf Totem (Jiang Rong) and Tibetan Mastiff (Yang Zhijun). The findings indicate that both Jiang Rong and Yang Zhijun  assert that the steppe is not a backward periphery, but rather the “core foundation” shaping the Hua Xia identity. However, the works present contrasting perspectives: Jiang Rong exalts “wolf nature” (wildness, competitiveness) as the source of historical vitality, whereas Yang Zhijun upholds “mastiff nature” (loyalty, morality) as the Confucian ideal. Ultimately, the article concludes that unity between the “center” (civilization) and the “periphery” (wilderness) can only be achieved through the reconciliation of indigenous religious beliefs and modern scientific knowledge.