Abstract: The characterization of Fang Hongjian, the protagonist of Fortress Besieged, draws upon and transcends the influence of W. Somerset Maugham's novels. Both characters reflect Spinoza's definition and critique of “weakness,” and this weakness is also presented in both as a by-product of the characters' pursuit of lofty ideals. Based on this, Qian Zhongshu shapes Fang Hongjian into a “ruo junzi”——a man with the heart of a gentleman who is everywhere thwarted and powerless. Through his fate, Qian launches a philosophical debate on the “conflict between righteousness and profit”: he reflects on the blind adherence to the doctrine of “sacrificing profit for righteousness” without, however, wholly rejecting lofty ideals as Maugham does. This allows Qian Zhongshu to shape Fang Hongjian into a character who surpasses his western predecessors.

Key words: Qian Zhongshu, Fortress Besieged, Fang Hongjian, W. Somerset Maugham, Baruch Spinoza

摘要： 《围城》主角方鸿渐的性格塑造中有对毛姆小说的借鉴与超越：两者均折射出斯宾诺莎对“懦弱”的定义与批评;同时其“懦弱”又均呈现为人物践行崇高理想的副产品。基于此,钱钟书将方鸿渐塑造为一个有君子心却处处碰壁无能为力的“若君子”,基于其命运展开对“义利之争”的思辨：既有对盲目贯彻“舍利取义”的反思,又不似毛姆般将崇高教条全盘否定。这一人物塑造相较于其西方前型青出于蓝而胜于蓝。

关键词: 钱钟书, 《围城》, 方鸿渐, 毛姆, 斯宾诺莎