Youth Popular Reading Sunshine Volume -- The Scholars: The Scholars

Author: Wu Jingzi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: The Story of the Scholars uses a realistic approach to satirize the social realities and human nature, though the writing occasionally employs contrasts, exaggeration, or even absurdity, while the unfolding of the plot remains calm, straightforward, and highly measured. It intersperses humorous and witty passages, which, instead of evoking laughter, bring forth a sense of bitterness and melancholy. The portrayals of Zhou Jin's humiliation, Fan Jin's success in the imperial examinations, and the obsession of Mr. Ma with the civil service examinations are all examples of this. Wu Jingzi's greatest achievement in satirical art lies in creating the archetypal miser, Yan Jiansheng. This unique character from classical Chinese literature, which embodies both human weaknesses and national vices, stands shoulder to shoulder with world-famous figures such as Shylock from Shakespeare, Alceste from Molière, and Gobseck from Balzac.