Unraveling the Threads of Wonder: Chinese Narrative Unfolded in Tales of the Strange

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1168-8467

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

This article explores the Chinese literary genre of zhiguai [‘tales of the strange’] by tracing its historical development from the Six Dynasties to the Qing dynasty. It analyzes the narrative techniques employed in zhiguai and chuanqi narratives, which are written in classical language, and it investigates the genre’s relationship with religion. The article highlights the interplay between fact and fiction in these narratives, showcasing the fusion of historical records and imaginative storytelling. Additionally, it delves into related literary genres such as bianwen, baojuan, and shenmo xiaoshuo, examining their connections to zhiguai and their use of vernacular language.

Publication Title

Unraveling the Threads of Wonder: Chinese Narrative Unfolded in Tales of the Strange

DOI

https://doi.org/10.4324/9780367565152-RECHS87-1

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