Comparative Analysis of Xu Zhimo’s “In Search of a Star” and Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass”

Abstract

This paper researches from a comparative literary perspective based on the context of literary revolutions in the 19th century in the United States and the 20th century in China. Considering the social and historical background, a comparative analysis was conducted between Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” and Xu Zhimo’s “In Search of a Star.” This article first summarizes the social and cultural backgrounds of the two countries during that period in concise language, collects data, and argues for the possibility of Xu Zhimo being influenced by Whitman’s works. Secondly, this study will compare the similarities between the two works in image selection and writing techniques. Finally, this article also points out the differences between the two works. The similarities and differences between the two works are that Xu Zhimo was influenced by Whitman and the cultural background and social thinking differences between China and the United States.