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Title
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Mini Review
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牡丹亭
The Peony Pavilion: Mudan Ting
Written by Tang Xianzu, 1550-1616
Translated by Cyril Birch
Indiana University Press, 2002
400 pages
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Rating:
The premier example of the Southern-style opera that was popular in
the 17th century. The supernatural story centers around a young girl who dies
pining for a lover who she's met only once in a dream. But
years later the object of her affection stays in her town, finds her portrait,
and revives her. Light humor sprinkled throughout the story makes this play an
enjoyable read.
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董西廂諸宮調
Master Tung's Western Chamber Romance
Written by Tung Chieh-yuan, 12th century
Translated by Li-Li Ch'en
Columbia University Press, 1994
238 pages
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Rating:
An excellent example of Chinese chantefable, i.e. a form of
literature containing a mixture of verses to be sung as well as prose meant to
be narrated. The basic storyline is an elaboration of "The Story of Ying-ying"
written by Yüan Chen (779-831). The story center on a poor scholar named Chang
who falls in love with Yingying, the daughter of a prime minister. After
Yinying's mother reneges on a promise to let the two get married, Yinying
secretly starts a love affair with Chang.
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西廂記
The Story of the Western Wing
Written by Wang Shifu (1295-1307)
Translated by Stephen West and Wilt Idema
University of California Press, 1995
328 pages
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A further elaboration on "The Story of Ying-ying" and "
Master Tung's Western Chamber Romance".
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Mistress and Maid (Jiahong ji)
Written by Meng Chengshun, 17th century
Translated by Cyril Birch
Columbia University Press, 2001
288 pages
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One of the greatest tragedies of Chinese
drama. In the story a young girl refuses to let go of her love for her
betrothed after her father reneges on a promise to let them marry.
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