Chinese Journal of Literary Criticism

No.3, 2021

 

Reader Awareness in Ming-Dynasty Commentaries on The Romance of the Western Chamber

(Abstract)

 

Luo Jianbo

 

Literary commentary in China displays conscious and sufficient reader awareness. The author observes three forms of reader awareness by examining Ming-Dynasty literary commentaries on The Romance of the Western Chamber. These Ming commentators strive to add information about the story and conduct ingenious analysis of significant plots and characters, thus promoting readers’ comprehension. Meanwhile, they help overcome reading barriers by elaborating on writing patterns and styles, and annotating enigmatic languages, ironies, and slangs. Apart from theoretical significance, their concrete and subtle commentaries on the work offer aesthetic pleasure varying from stage performance, elevating readers’ taste of and refinement in arts.