Classical Chinese novel masterpiece Pu... A cautionary tale of the world

Author: (Ming) Feng Menglong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: A Warning for the World (Jing Shi Tong Yan) is the second part of Feng Menglong's "Three Canons" (San Yan) as a renowned popular literary figure in the Ming Dynasty. It was published around the fourth year of the Ming Tianqi reign (1624), three years later than the first publication of A Clear and Worthy Discourse for the World (Yu Shi Ming Yan). In A Warning for the World, the story tales centered on marriage and love are the most numerous, some depicting the passionate pursuit of free love by young men and women, while others portray the unfortunate lives and suffering of lower-class women. There are both comedies and tragedies. The profound ideological depth and exceptional artistic techniques demonstrated in these works are truly refreshing and captivating. What is particularly valuable is that Feng Menglong, in these works, created a group of vivid female characters, leaving readers astonished, delighted, sorrowful, and moved, with an extremely strong artistic impact. The most successful work in A Warning for the World, as well as the greatest Chinese vernacular short story, is The Anger of Du Shiniang, Who Drowned Her Treasure Box. In both thought and art, this novel is considered perfect. Other widely influential and outstanding chapters include The White Snake Trapped on Leifeng Pagoda, Wang Jiaoluan's Centennial Sorrow, Tang Xuanquan's Smile Brings Love, Le Xiaohe Risks His Life to Find a Mate, The Love of Wu Qing in Jinming Pool, and Yutang Chun's Hardship Leads to Love.