Abstract: This paper first makes an introduction to the definition and value of ghost culture. Ghost culture is a product of human society; it is also an important part of human civilization. The paper then presents ghost concept both in China and western countries to show different ghost concepts in people's minds. Literature and folk custom are the means used by culture to interpret the meaning of world. Therefore, this paper analyses the differences between Chinese and western ghost culture in terms of literature and folk custom, trying to sort out the reasons for the differences. Besides, ghost culture can reflect the value of different people in different cultures so that it can be of helping to promote the cross-cultural communication.
Key words: Chinese and western culture; ghost culture; ghost literature; ghost festival
Abstract. iv
摘要 iv
Outline v
提纲 vi
1. Introduction 1
2. Introduction to ghost culture 2
2.1 Definition of ghost culture 2
2.2 Value of ghost culture 2
3. Ghost concept in Chinese and western culture 3
3.1 Ghost concept in Chinese culture 3
3.2 Ghost concept in western culture 4
4. Analysis of Chinese and western ghost culture 5
4.1 Chinese and western ghost culture in literature 5
4.1.1 Chinese ghost culture in literature 5
4.1.2 Western ghost culture in literature 6
4.1.3 Differences between Chinese and western ghost culture in literature 6
4.2 Chinese and western ghost culture in folk custom 7
4.2.1 Chinese ghost culture in folk custom 7
4.2.2 Western ghost culture in folk custom 7
4.2.3 Differences between Chinese and western ghost culture in folk custom 8
4.3 Reasons for Chinese and western ghost culture differences 8
4.3.1 Religious reason 9
4.3.2 Social reason 10
4.3.3 Ideological reason 10
5. Conclusion 11
Works Cited 13
