Plot Structure and Thought Expression of Nan-ke Ji(PDF)
《南京师大学报》（社会科学版）[ISSN:1006-6977/CN:61-1281/TN]
- Issue:
- 2014年05期
- Page:
- 127-
- Research Field:
- Publishing date:
Info
- Title:
- Plot Structure and Thought Expression of Nan-ke Ji
- Author(s):
- WANG Jian-jun; XU Jian-zhong
- Keywords:
- Nan-ke Ji; duo-tuo; truth alternating with illusion; real feelings; dramatic mutation
- PACS:
- -
- DOI:
- -
- Abstract:
-
Nan-ke ji南柯记(Opera of Nan-ke), an outstanding artistic creation by Tang Xianzu汤显祖, recomposes the novel Nan-ke Tai-shou Zhuan南柯太守传(Biography of Prefect Nan-ke)with a bizarre plot into a Buddhist opera with the theme of duo-tuo 度脱(liberation by Buddhism). In the opera, Zenist master Qixuan takes the initiative to lead, and the protagonist Chun Yufen is passively guided by his teaching. Thus on the whole, it displays a structure of duo-tuo opera: how sentient human beings, after rising above and freeing themselves from their earthly emotions and cares, can finally become Buddha is the thread running through a variety of dramatic conflicts, reflecting the creative idea of “dream to wake up, love to approach the Buddha”. In the art world of Huai-an 槐安Kingdom, the general picture of truth alternating with illusion is enriched by vivid specific details of real life situation; and the fantastic artistic creation is full of the author’s real life experience, feelings and pursuits. The plot structure is characterized by the insertion of sideline threads of plot which are intended to change the direction of the development of the mainline plot. In addition, its plot setting is distinctively flexible, and transitions between different scenes are dramatically abrupt as well as smooth, presenting a fantastic effect. Compared with Han-dan Ji邯郸记(The Opera of Han-dan), however, Nan-ke Ji has its strength in narration and weakness in cathartic expression, and is somewhat lacking in balance and logic in its plot structure.
Last Update: 2014-10-05