爱默生的多义隐喻:改革的精灵

A Multivalent Metaphor of Emerson's:The Demon of Reform

本文试图运用文本细读的方法,剖析爱默生的演讲辞'人即改革者',概括其中'改革的精灵'这一隐喻的寓意,探讨其精神来源、运作方式和实际功效等问题,并解读'人即改革者'与'新英格兰改革者'这两篇演讲辞之间的互文关系。本文超越'人即改革者'这一表述的表面字义,明确提出'人既是改革者又是被改革者'的爱默生式命题,阐释人作为改革主体的能动性以及人作为改革对象的可塑性,揭示在恪守信仰、厉行改革的过程中提升自我、磨砺人格、弘扬理想、优化个人心灵、优化国民素质的可能性。本文试图论证爱默生的改革理念的真实内涵——人的心灵变革是一切社会改革的支点、动因和成功的希望。

Using the method of close reading, this paper is an attempt to analyze Ralph Waldo Emerson＇s address entitled Man the Reformer, summarize the implications of the key metaphor ＂the demon of reform＂, explore its spiritual sources, operating modes and practical functions, and interpret the intertextuality between Man the Reformer and New England Reformers, a lecture also by Emerson. To transcend the literal sense of the phrase ＂man the reformer＂, this paper makes an Emersonian proposition that man is both the reformer and the reformed, elaborates on man＇s initiatives as the subject of reform, and his mutabilities as the object of reform, and describes faith-based reform as a process in which the self is likely to be elevated, the personality to be tested, the individual soul to be bettered, the social ideals to be celebrated, and the national moral standards to be raised. Hence this paper throws light on the mystical core of Emersonian viewpoints on reform--the reform of the soul functions as the pivotal point, motivating force and hope of success for all social reforms.