The story of Dou E

Author: Guan Hanqing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-24
Features: The Injustice to Dou E is a classic tragedy by the great Yuan Dynasty playwright Guan Hanqing. The play tells the story of Dou Tianzhang, who, due to financial hardship, sells his daughter Duan Yun as a child bride to the Cai family and travels to the capital to take the imperial examination. Several years later, Duan Yun adopts the name Dou E and marries the son of the Cai grandmother. Soon after, her husband dies, and the mother and daughter rely on each other, living by lending money. One day, the Cai grandmother goes to ask for a debt from Sai Luyi, who lures her to a secluded place and attempts to strangle her. They are unexpectedly encountered by the villains Zhang Luer and his son, who scare off Sai Luyi and rescue the Cai grandmother. Taking advantage of the situation, Zhang Luer and his son move into the Cai family, attempting to seize the grandmother and granddaughter. They are sternly rejected by Dou E. Filled with resentment, Zhang Luer plans to poison the Cai grandmother but accidentally poisons his own father in the process. Zhang Luer then falsely accuses Dou E of poisoning her own father. The corrupt official Tao Wu, bribed by Zhang Luer, brutally tortures Dou E. To protect her elderly grandmother, Dou E is forced to admit the false charge and is sentenced to execution. The Injustice to Dou E is a classic tragedy by the great Yuan Dynasty playwright Guan Hanqing. The play tells the story of Dou Tianzhang, who, due to financial hardship, sells his daughter Duan Yun as a child bride to the Cai family and travels to the capital to take the imperial examination. Several years later, Duan Yun adopts the name Dou E and marries the son of the Cai grandmother. Soon after, her husband dies, and the mother and daughter rely on each other, living by lending money. One day, the Cai grandmother goes to ask for a debt from Sai Luyi, who lures her to a secluded place and attempts to strangle her. They are unexpectedly encountered by the villains Zhang Luer and his son, who scare off Sai Luyi and rescue the Cai grandmother. Taking advantage of the situation, Zhang Luer and his son move into the Cai family, attempting to seize the grandmother and granddaughter. They are sternly rejected by Dou E. Filled with resentment, Zhang Luer plans to poison the Cai grandmother but accidentally poisons his own father in the process. Zhang Luer then falsely accuses Dou E of poisoning her own father. The corrupt official Tao Wu, bribed by Zhang Luer, brutally tortures Dou E. To protect her elderly grandmother, Dou E is forced to admit the false charge and is sentenced to execution.