Research On Lv Zuqian’s Study Of Zuozhuan

Lv Zuqian’s significant contributions to the study of Zuozhuan, have unfortunately not been fully recognized. In this thesis arguments are developed with evidences mainly from Lv’s three monographs on Zuozhuan:Zuoshiboyyi, Zuoshizhuanshuo and Zuoshizhuanxushuo. Also elaborated are Lv’s inheritances from the prior studies, his new insights into Zuozhuan and their influences on later studies.To begin the thesis, information of Lv’s education, family and social relations, which exerted impacts on his research, is presented. Then a clear history of his Zuozhuan studies is revealed. And Lv’s findings are analyzed in the aspects of Confucianism, historiography, Neo-confucianism and rhetorics.In the eyes of Confusianists, Lv is an ardent fellow worshipper. He believed that Confucianism should be explained historically, which formed the foundation of the popular view that "Yi, Shu, Shi, Li, Yue and Chunqiu are histories". He thought that Zuozhuan is better than Gongyangzhuan and Guliangzhuan.Historiographically, Lv’s studies were important landmarks in Zuozhuan research. He regarded Zuozhuan as a history book, out of which he could find methods for governors to run a country.Quite different from other Neo-confucianists’ empty talk on life, Lv Zuqian, integrating Zhuxi and Lu Jiuyuan’s viewpoints into his explorations, looked at affairs and the meaning of life through historical glasses, hoping to provide new solutions to contemporary problems and to promote ethical cultivation.Rhetorically, Zuozhuan was considered a model history book by Lv. Zuozhuan was highly praised for its writing style and could be an exemplar for history books. Lv’s own books are also great rhetorical achievements.Hopefully, interest will be drawn to this new approach to the historical study of Zuozhuan.