https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/66072 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:32:59 GMT 2026-04-07T19:32:59Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/66264 Title: A comparative study of mythological realms and animals within Chinese and Greek mythologies Abstract: Nature played an important role in shaping the mythologies of any civilisation. Although the mythologies and beliefs of ancient China and Greece developed independently from one another, similarities within certain elements can still be observed. The purpose of this study is to analyse how the Chinese and Greek people interacted with mythology and how they recorded their narratives, to compare their beliefs with regards to their view on the surrounding landscape and fauna, and the influence such views held on their narratives, as well touching upon the influence of Greek mythology in modern China, and the relevance of mythology in the world today. This study was carried out through reading and analysis of various academic books and articles on the subject of mythology, history, geography, and philosophy of China and Greece, with a focus on the significance of landscape features and animal figures, in order to connect similar notions of beliefs amid sources. The study shows that there are certain motifs that appear in both Chinese and Greek mythology, such as the connection between mountains and the immortal gods, and the subdivisions of the underworld, but further research can be carried out in order to delve deeper into the subject and compare other aspects of Chinese and Greek mythologies. Description: B.A.(HONS)CHINESE Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/66264 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/66263 Title: The love and loss of Xu Zhimo as reflected in his poetry Abstract: The aim of this thesis is to observe the strong influence of Xu Zhimo 徐志摩’s romantic relationships and how romantic love was the true muse behind his writings. Romantic love is of specific importance, not love in general. That is to say the love in which passion is paramount and where the other transcends the common to become a being unique in their very essence. It was not believed that any other form of love truly affected the poet’s literature. His friendships seemed to be, at most, a safety net and a comfort, whereas his familial ties, a support and a duty. What is written here is based heavily on the author’s own interpretation of Xu Zhimo’s life according to what had been gathered from his work and biographies. Aside from the historically accurate and proven, nothing written here is claimed to be factual. This write-up largely approaches the works mentioned in as chronological a method as possible, paying attention to the landmarks in his life that were believed to particularly influencesaid pieces. The poems mentioned, in order of appearance, are: A Second Farewell to Cambridge(1928), In Search of A Bright Star(1924), Follow Me(1925), I Know Not In Which Way The Wind Blows(1928), Rhyme of the Sea(1925), Life (1928), Roaming the Clouds(1931). This argument is introduced by briefly covering Xu Zhimo’s life up until his first encounter with Lin Huiyin林徽因, which is suspected to be when the man was consumed by the poet. The thesis leads on to cover the pattern between his love life and his poetry, so as to come to the conclusion that above any philosophical or political ideology, it was his perseverance in the pursuit of an idealistic romance that drove him. Description: B.A.(HONS)CHINESE Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/66263 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/66262 Title: An overview of Shanghai’s history : the immigration of Australians and Jewish refugees to the city in the 20th century Abstract: This thesis contains a general overview of Shanghai’s history from the 1840s until the Cultural Revolution and its effects. The main focus falls on the foreign occupation and immigration between the late 19th and 20th century. The role which the foreigners played in Shanghai’s development and its transformation into a capitalistic city is also demonstrated in the first chapter, which leads to an even broader explanation of two specific groups of immigrants, the Australia-born Chinese and the Jewish people. The time frame of their immigration is mostly reflected throughout the 20th century. In addition, the thesis will also demonstrate some case studies to further present what triggered the immigration process and further adaptations they needed to make in order to fit in the culture of the East. One of the main historical events that led to a massive change in the immigration procedures was during the Maoist era. The Cultural Revolution which broke out during Mao Zedong’s rule is important to mention in the aspect of foreign immigrants as it had influenced their lives in the East greatly. Description: B.A.(HONS)CHINESE Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/66262 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/66260 Title: The interpretation of ‘Ode to Mulan’ : reception between East and West Abstract: An ‘Ode to Mulan’ was composed between the 5th and 6th Centuries CE by an ‘unknown’ author at a time when China was divided between the North and the South. The Ode/ballad was passed on from one generation to another and was told over and over again through plays, songs, paintings, books and films. The story deals with a brave girl with the name of Mulan who is in search of self-definition and in the process enlists in the army instead of her sick father. She disguised herself as a man in order to help save the country from its enemies. This dissertation delves deeper on the historical and cultural context of Mulan in China from when the first version was written to modern-day China and Mulan as interpreted in the West. As different authors interpret ‘Ode to Mulan’, they add new values and personal touches, Although many authors used the same roots of the story, differences from one text/film to another will be observed, most especially when the story travelled overseas. Description: B.A.(HONS)CHINESE Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/66260 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z