An Analysis and Comparison of Sufferings in The Book of Job and Tianwen

Both the ancient Israel classic The Book of Job and Asking Heaven written by Qu Yuan from the state of Chu in the Warring States Period of China are composed of questions,conveying the characters’queries and doubts about the universe,human affairs,ethics,etc.This paper analyzes and compares the theme of suffering reflected in the two classics by generalizing similar features of suffering caused by physical loss,broken relationship and spiritual trauma,and revealing several perspectives of differences as well.This research enriches the ideological studies of this area,contributing for a more profound knowledge of suffering from the perspective of cultural communication,as suffering is not a national but universal challenge.