Shen Fu Six Records Of A Floating Life Summary

Six Records of a Floating Life
The Confucian teachings were based on certain values that were supposed to enable the learner to better the lives that they live. These include values such as the humaneness, love, and respect, and loyalty. Seemingly, Shen Fu failed to live his life in full accord with these ideals. In order for us to answer this question, we should put his acts as per the Confucian ethics. Firstly, Shen Fu lives as per the doctrine of humaneness. This doctrine requires that an individual should be pure. This is purity in the sense that they must always adhere to the ethics that Heaven has stipulated. From Shen Fu’s account, he can be considered to have acted in a manner that was both within these ethics and in some instances,

Shen married Chen Yun, who he describes as not being the most beautiful lady. She has a beauty from within. This is contrary to the expectations of the society who provide that beauty is wholly based on the outward beauty. Therefore, his action can be seen to end up establishing Chen Yu. This is establishment in the sense of making her feel loved and happy contrary to her expectation. However, later, Shen Fu ends up cheating on Chen Yu. Immorality contradicts the provisions of the ethics. From the explanations of Ren, one should not do, hear, or act improperly. Further, it requires that one should do unto others as they would wish to be done to. Therefore, Chen Yu would not be receptive of his wife cheating on him. Therefore, his actions can be considered to contradict the expectation of Ren. Secondly, Chen Yu upheld the festivals, and this was in line with the Li ethics. He is seen to embrace certain celebrations. For example, weddings and god’s birthday. At the beginning of this narrative, Chen introduces Shen as his wife due to the arrangement by the parents (Pratt and Chiang 12). These are cultures that some members of the society would not embrace. Further, considering Shen’s physical appearance, a large percentage of individuals would have decided to go against their parent’s plans. In this case, it may be considered that Chen’s actions were in line with the Li

These are rituals that individuals must go through in some specified activities. Yen did not refuse to honor this request, and this shows that he respects these traditions.
However, from the teachings, one should adhere to all of the rites, and they should not do it for the sake. From Chen’s actions, he is seen not to really embrace these festivals. In particular, the ‘lighting of the flowers.’ Chen has to be invited by a friend in order for him to go for the festival and help in the preparations. He breaks the rules when he tags Yun along. The process was supposed to be exclusively for males, but he gives Yun a hat so that he can be seen as a man (Pratt and Chiang 44). Therefore, it is evident that he did not really adhere to these rites.
Thirdly, Shen has unconditional love for his family and friends. He loves his wife so much that he ends up making her a companion. He shares his hobbies and feelings. Further, they are seen to always joke about everything. This means that their relationship is filled with fun and Yun never became angry. He says that ‘most of the argument always begins with a joke.’ Therefore, their relationship was founded on a base filled with love. However, their love is affected when Han-Yuan walks into their life. Their unconditional love leads to them acting contrary to the Confucian