Some Remarks on the Birth of the Chinese Story

Author: Imre Hamar

Source: Acta Orientalia Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae, Volume 56, Numbers 2-4, 27 November 2003 , pp. 245-248(4)

Publisher: Akademiai Kiado

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Abstract:

Chinese short stories and novels differ greatly from their European counterparts. The birth of the Chinese story is closely linked to the development of the Chinese commercial cities, in which their authors, audience and typical figures lived. Historical themes occur frequently, but the real heroes of the stories are people living on the periphery of society: merchants, thieves, and other city-dwellers. The imperial court and high officials only play a limited role. Young scholars and failed examination candidates, on the other hand, make a frequent appearance. The authors of most stories are unknown to us, as the stories have developed for centuries, and their written versions were compiled relatively lately, centuries after the emergence of the original story cycles.

Keywords: Chinese literature; short story; novel; urban culture

Document Type: Research article

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