The talk explores the cultural values associated with friendship in the Chinese tradition by focusing on its implications for its political imagination and moral imagination. The lacunae in such discourses may be addressed by a new focus on the relationship between gender and friendship. We will think about the role of women in stories of male friendship, the friendship between women, and the redefinition of family and social roles once we introduce women and gender into the discourse of friendship.

Wai-yee Li is the 1879 Professor of Chinese Literature at Harvard University. Her research interests include Ming Qing literature and culture as well as early Chinese thought and historiography.

Attend in person or via Zoom. Zoom registration at https://umich.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KE_zWkTQTROzr0f236bCUQ

If there is anything we can do to make this event accessible to you, please contact us. Please be aware that advance notice is necessary as some accommodations may require more time for the university to arrange.