论G.K.切斯特顿对青年胡适的影响

G.K.Chesterton's Influences on Young Hu Shi

胡适早年留学康奈尔大学时用英文写下四篇西方文学论文,在其中一篇他提到英国小说家、文学批评家和基督教护教学家G.K.切斯特顿,并对其《罗伯特·勃朗宁》一书赞誉有加。本文进一步考察二者之间的关系,认为切斯特顿的宗教思想对青年胡适有不可忽视的影响。本文首先考察胡适阅读过切斯特顿的哪些著作;然后从学业需要和宗教信仰的角度论述青年胡适心仪切斯特顿的原因;接着论述贯穿切斯特顿和青年胡适的著作的一个重要主题:乐观主义,并着重探讨两人在乐观主义的要素——自由意志思想——上的相似性。最后,本文联系胡适的实用主义转向和20世纪初中国的时代背景探讨胡适后来不再提及切斯特顿的原因。

For many,the idea of connecting Hu Shi with G.K.Chesterton is a strange one.However,those who reject the possibility of a connection between Hu Shi and Chesterton ignore the fact that young Hu Shi had referred to Chesterton in glowing terms.This paper attempted to make a further exploration in this regard.First,it examined the evidence that young Hu Shi had read some of Chesterton＇s works.Next,it considered the reason why young Hu Shi was attracted to Chesterton＇s appeal.After that,it took into account one particular theme that resonated through the writings of both authors.Finally,it explored the situation in contemporary China which made Hu Shi refuse to mention Chesterton again.