Fable of Warning

Author: Feng Menglong (Ming)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-04-01
Features: The tales in A Warning to the World that focus on marriage and love are the most numerous. Some depict the passionate pursuit of free love by young men and women, while others portray the unfortunate lives and suffering of lower-class women. There are both comedies and tragedies. These works, with their profound ideological depth and exceptional artistic techniques, are truly refreshing and captivating. What is particularly valuable is that Feng Menglong, in these works, creates a group of vivid female characters that are astonishing, delightful, sorrowful, and regrettable, possessing an extremely strong artistic appeal. The most successful work in A Warning to the World is also the greatest work in Chinese vernacular short fiction, namely The Anger of Du Shiniang and the Sinking of the Treasure Box. In both thought and art, this novel is considered perfect. Other outstanding and widely influential chapters include The White Snake Trapped on Leifeng Pagoda, Wang Jiaoluan's Centennial Sorrow, Tang Xuan's Smile and the Match, Le Xiao's Life-Saving Search for a Mate, The Love of Wu Qing in Jinming Pool, and Yutang Chun's Hardship and Love.