Cai Xiang Ji

Author: (Yuan) Wang Shifu Wang Shouzhi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: The Story of the Western Chamber is a renowned work in ancient Chinese love dramas. The author, Wang Shifu, styled Xinde, was from Dadu (now Beijing), and little is known about his life. He was an outstanding playwright of the Jin and Yuan dynasties. He wrote thirteen zaju plays, most of which are lost, except for The Spring in the Beautiful Hall and one act each of The Lotus Pond and The Tea Ship. The story of The Story of the Western Chamber first appeared in the Tang Dynasty romance The Story of Yingying by Yuan Zhen, but it was actually based on the Jin Dynasty The Story of the Western Chamber in Various Genres by Dong Jieyuan. The play tells the story of Zhang Jingyu (styled Junru), a scholar who travels to the capital for the imperial examination, meeting Cui Yingying, the daughter of a high minister, at the Putuo Temple in Hedong. They fall in love at first sight and, with the help of the maid Hongniang, overcome their personal weaknesses and finally break through the obstacles set by Cui's mother to marry. The play criticizes feudal ethics and marriage systems, warmly praises Zhang and Cui for their pursuit of love and freedom, and expresses the ideal that "all lovers in the world should be united." The entire play consists of five acts and twenty-one scenes, with a grand structure, a rare feature in early Yuan zaju plays. The plot is intricate, full of twists and turns, and captivating. The author skillfully uses dramatic conflicts to reveal the rich inner worlds of the characters, who are vividly portrayed with distinct personalities. The lyrics are elegant and beautiful, whether depicting the environment or creating the atmosphere, they are full of poetic imagery and possess a strong artistic charm.