论杜十娘故事的多元叙事呈现 = An investigation of the Du Shiniang story represented in different narrative forms

• Main Author: 黄慧思 Ng, Hui Si
• Other Authors: Crossland-Guo Shuyun
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: Chinese
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Humanities
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/54927
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This thesis will investigate on Du Shiniang story represented in different narrative forms. The legacy of Du Shiniang is passed down through the different narrative forms. Firstly,this thesis will discuss how Feng Menglong had narrated Du Shiniang’s story through Hua Ben “The Courtesan’s Jewel Box” (Du Shiniang Nu Chen Bai Bao Xiang). Hua Ben has an unique and inseparable story-telling structure, where all parts are completed through careful consideration. Feng Menglong also used narrative time and space techniques to form the structure of the story. Narrative time provides a clear timeline and story rhythm, while narrative space provides the background knowledge. “The Courtesan’s Jewel Box” reflected Feng Menglong values on romance and society. Feng Menglong had successfully illustrated Du Shiniang as an intelligent and strong woman who is fearless of fighting for her love. She is an educational and inspirational icon who is well-liked by the readers. To pass on the famous story of Du Shiniang, it had been gradually presented in other forms of performance like oral literature (Tan Ci, Zi Di Shu, Er Ren Zhuan), Chinese opera and movies. In oral literature presentation, selection of plots determined the focus of the narrative. In order to attract viewers, oral literature also uses narrative point of view and narrative content to relate the story. The use of narrative point of view enables the viewers to form the board picture and to understand the character’s mood and personality. On the other hand, narrative content will allow viewers to better understand the theme and the personality development of the characters. Lastly, in the discussion of “The Courtesan’s Jewel Box”, Chinese opera and movies, it will focus on the introduction of the characters, thus providing viewers with the background of the story. The development of the plot also displayed other characteristics of Du Shiniang and Li Jia. The use of the jewel box and other objects also enriched the story content through the further development of the plot.