Classics of Chinese Literature for Young Readers · The Story of the Scholars

Author: Wu Jingzi (Qing Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: This world literature classic is selected according to the designated reading list of the new curriculum standards for Chinese. Based on the many strengths and merits of previous translations, we have highly condensed the work while remaining faithful to the original, preserving its essence and outline. It is accompanied by vivid illustrations and helpful annotations, making it rich in visuals and easy to understand. This adaptation aims to align with the times and society, catering to young readers, thereby facilitating easy reading and comprehension for middle and primary school students. The Story of the Scholars is an outstanding realistic satirical novel from the Qing Dynasty of China. Its critique primarily targets the imperial examination system that selected officials based on the Eight-legged essay. The work portrays a group of scholars obsessed with the examinations, pursuing "fame and fortune," and satirizes the extreme hypocrisy and harmful social customs resulting from this obsession. This held significant practical and educational meaning at the time. The Story of the Scholars is an outstanding realistic satirical novel from the Qing Dynasty, primarily depicting the activities and spiritual demeanor of intellectuals and officials in the later stages of the feudal society. The original had 55 chapters, while the currently circulated edition has 56 chapters. The Story of the Scholars primarily critiques the imperial examination system that selected officials based on the Eight-legged essay. The work portrays a group of scholars obsessed with the examinations, pursuing "fame and fortune," and satirizes the extreme hypocrisy and harmful social customs resulting from this obsession. This held significant practical and educational meaning at the time. Its language is precise, vivid, and concise, with characters so vividly portrayed and satirical techniques so masterful that it achieves a high level of artistic excellence. Mr. Lu Xun believed that the emergence of The Story of the Scholars marked the beginning of a work worthy of being called a satire. The Story of the Scholars was written by Wu Jingzi, styled Min Gan, from Quanjiang, Anhui. He saw through the dark politics and corrupt social customs of his time and, through writing The Story of the Scholars, exposed and powerfully critiqued the ugly reality, demonstrating a touch of democratic thought.