Assimilating Buddhism in Victorian Literature: Exploring Rudyard Kipling’s Engagement and Reception

This project aims to explore the Victorian reception of Buddhism, focusing on the renowned British writer Rudyard Kipling and his works. By examining Kipling’s growth experience, reading history, and knowledge sources, we seek to understand how he conceived Buddhism and represented it in his literary works.
During the turn of the century, there was a growing fascination with Oriental religions, and Buddhism captivated the attention of intellectuals and writers. This project aims to examine the influence of this trend on literature, with Kipling and his works serving as an outstanding example of cultural encounters, where numerous Buddhist elements can be found.
Through this project, we will delve into how Kipling assimilated Buddhist ideas and integrated them into his literary creation. Our objective is to unravel the nuances of Kipling’s understanding of Buddhism and explore the ways in which he portrayed it in his literary creations.
By closely analyzing Kipling’s reading history, knowledge sources, and representation of Buddhism, this project will foster a deeper understanding of the cultural dynamics and intellectual influences that shaped Victorian literature. Moreover, it will provide valuable insights into the broader cross-cultural encounters of the time and shed light on the enduring impact they had on Western society’s perception

Faculty Supervisor:

Jinhua Chen

Student:

Partner:

Shanghai International Studies University

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Other

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: