"《》" translates to "Jin Ping Mei and Desire"

Author: Zhi Xi Jun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: "The Golden Lotus" and Desire, comprising forty-eight essays. "The Golden Lotus" was written by Lanling Xiaoxiao Sheng. Some say the book primarily depicts "sex," but I believe it mainly explores "desire." Desire encompasses emotional desire, sexual desire, material desire, power desire, fame desire, and more—it reflects human nature. In the book "With Desire," the author critiques the human nature of various characters in "The Golden Lotus," both praising and condemning them, with both analysis and commentary. All sorts of people are discussed: court officials, influential local figures, monks, scholars, household masters, servants, heroes, and ruffians. The book also criticizes the appointment of officials, the imperial examination system, cultural phenomena, and the bustling streets. If anything stands out, it is the broad scope of the author's commentary on people and events, which, in a sense, evaluates "The Golden Lotus," helping those who haven't read the book to understand it and sparking discussion among those who wish to comment on the human nature depicted in it. As for the book's "new theories," whether they highlight the "oddity" of "The Golden Lotus," and whether the author's critiques are fair or the writing is skillful—these are for the readers to judge. If readers find any enlightenment, it will be the author's great fortune.