Journal of Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics ›› 2015, Vol. 0 ›› Issue (05): 432-.

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The Handan Dream: A Pinnacle of Drama Text Narration among“Linchuan Four Dreams”

WANG Qi, LIU Song-lai   

  1. (Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China)
  • Published:2021-01-21

Abstract: In the“Linchuan Four Dreams”written by Tang Xianzu, the scholastic circle has always regarded The Peony Pavilion as the first of the“Four Dreams”. However, if reading the drama text carefully from the perspective of narratology, it can be found that the narrative techniques of The Handan Dream actually ranks the first and is the pinnacle of drama text narration among the “Linchuan Four Dreams”. Compared to other three dreams, the unique narrative techniques of The Handan Dream are mainly reflected in the following four aspects: the first is the heavy and deep narrative theme, that is the multiple purport of the complement of virtual and real and the unity of Confucianism and Buddhism. The second is the characterization method for the complex and round characters, that is the dynamic aggregation of the parameters of character traits, “function multivalent”character functions and open character traits. The third is the fast moving of space and time, Which help to reveal the complete life processes of the characters and strengthen the dramatic conflicts of the plot. And the fourth is the clever use of“discovery”and“sudden changes”, Which help to enhance the tortuosity of the dramatic plots and the readability of the text.

Key words: The Handan Dream; “Linchuan Four Dreams”; drama text; narration