Boji of the State of Song: How Was Her Death Viewed by Han Scholars?

First recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals, Boji of the state of Song was known for her adherence to ritual propriety--when her house caught fire, she preferred immolation to leaving her quarters without an escort. As Han scholars formulated their political discourse primarily on the bases of Confucian classics, it would be of interest to study the ways in which they perceived her demise. Their remarks pertained not only to the notions of a woman's virtue, but were also with reference to the canon. Their discussions were indicative of a strong influence from the Gongyang zhuan and the Guliang zhuan, and also the philosophy of the yin-yang school, particularly that of Dong Zhongshu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]