The Story of the Scholars

Author: Zhang Meini
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The Story of the Scholars is an outstanding satirical novel in the history of Chinese literature. Through a realistic portrayal of the shameless behaviors of feudal scholars, officials, wealthy gentry, and underworld ruffians, the novel profoundly exposes the corruption of the feudal system. Among these characters are Fan Jin, who has his mind and psyche twisted by the imperial examination system; Kuang Chao, who abandons his wife and becomes a treacherous scoundrel; and Yan Gongsheng, whos others' land, seizes widows' property, and lives a life of deceit and fraud. The Story of the Scholars also depicts some lower-class people, praising their noble qualities of integrity and simplicity, as well as their extraordinary talents. Wang Mian, who despises fame and fortune, and Bao Wenqing, a sincere and kind-hearted actor, are representatives of such characters. The Story of the Scholars is a gem in Chinese satirical literature, with precise, concise, and vivid language. The entire novel is composed of multiple units, each connected yet capable of standing alone. This unique long-form structure has had a significant influence on later writers.