Honor Over Survival in Defeat | Generated by AI
Your answer is correct: B (知耻重义 / Being conscious of shame and valuing righteousness).
Explanation:
In the passage “The Siege of Gaixia” (《垓下之围》), Xiang Yu (项羽) refuses to cross the Wu River (乌江) to escape, even though the ferryman offers him a chance to survive. His reasoning is:
- “Heaven intends to destroy me; why should I cross the river? Moreover, when I crossed the river with the 8,000 sons of Jiangdong, none of them returned. Even if the people of Jiangdong pity me and make me their king, how can I face them? Even if they don’t say anything, wouldn’t I feel ashamed in my heart?” (天之亡我，我何渡为！且籍与江东子弟八千人渡江而西，今无一人还，纵江东父兄怜而王我，我何面目见之？纵彼不言，籍独不愧于心乎？)
This moment highlights Xiang Yu’s sense of shame and loyalty (知耻重义). He values honor and integrity over survival, refusing to abandon his principles even in the face of defeat. His decision reflects his deep sense of responsibility and moral duty to his followers.