Ancient novels and operas

Author: Xu Bingsheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: Fiction and opera belong to different literary art categories, a modern concept introduced from Western theories. In ancient practical applications and cultural concepts, fiction and opera were regarded as the same category. This book explains the similarities and differences between the two based on their essential characteristics, observes the origins of fiction and opera from the perspective of the history of human cultural development, and points out that they share a common origin but diverge in their development. The book also highlights the extensive connections between fiction and opera in terms of artistic form, genre, and themes. Both fiction and opera fall under the category of narrative literature, and in their narratives, they absorb the methods of opera in using action and stereotypical character portrayals, as well as opera's fiction, narrative perspectives, and dialogue. They adopt narrative methods such as scene-based storytelling and flexible and free handling of time and space. In terms of innovation, fiction and opera share common characteristics, both employing combinations and syntheses to form certain innovative models. The book explains the cultural status and role of fiction and opera, pointing out that ancient fiction and opera were carriers of cultural communication and public education in ancient society. Between the two, fiction, on one hand, developed in the direction of storytelling, while on the other hand, carried a large amount of social, historical, and cultural information, exhibiting the characteristics of an ancient cultural and historical encyclopedia. Opera, on the other hand, was more focused on social issues and reflected the spirit of the times.