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Presumably there should be no one who doesn't know "The New Legends of Monkey" by now, a popular TV series that premieres in 2023. The play is adapted from the ancient Chinese literary masterpiece "Journey to the West", and reinterprets this classic story with a unique perspective and modern elements. The play tells the adventure journey of the four main characters, Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing and Tang Monk, who embark on a journey to find the truth and defeat the evil forces together. The story is full of humor, thrills and fantasy, but also conveys themes of friendship, courage and growth.
However, many netizens found that compared with the ancient Chinese literary masterpiece "Journey to the West", the background, culture, etc. have changed, which also made netizens start to think about what China's "Journey to the West" looks like. Therefore, today we will mainly talk about "Journey to the West" and three other masterpieces in ancient Chinese literature, they are treasures of Chinese literature and are loved and respected by readers.let's take a look together!
Let's begin with "Dream of the Red Chamber," hailed as the pinnacle of Chinese classical novels. Authored by Cao Xueqin, it intricately depicts the rise and fall of the Jia family and the intertwined fates of its vividly portrayed characters. The novel exposes the hypocrisy, absurdity, and complexity of feudal society. Through its delicate portrayal and in-depth character development, "Dream of the Red Chamber" explores the diverse facets of human life, emotional turmoil, and the complexities of human nature.
Next, we have "Journey to the West," a captivating adventure and fantasy novel. It narrates the legendary pilgrimage of Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing, and Tang Sanzang to the Western Heaven to obtain Buddhist scriptures. Along their journey, they face numerous trials, battles, and encounters, while highlighting the virtues of righteousness, perseverance, and the power of friendship. "Journey to the West" blends mythology, folklore, and Taoist philosophy, offering a rich tapestry of imagination and profound moral teachings.
The third classic is "Water Margin," an epic tale of heroes and rebels. It depicts the stories of 108 righteous outlaws and their uprising at Liangshan Marsh. "Water Margin" focuses on the themes of heroism, loyalty, and camaraderie, shedding light on the complexities of human nature and the darker side of society. With its rich characterizations and compelling plot, the novel presents a stirring epic of heroes that resonates with readers.
Last but not least is "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," the representative historical novel of ancient China. Set during the Three Kingdoms period, it portrays the intricate political landscape and the strategic battles fought among warlords. The novel features a cast of iconic figures such as Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Cao Cao, and Sun Quan, showcasing their wit, valor, and rivalries. "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" stands as an epic masterpiece, renowned for its grandeur, multifaceted characters, and profound political insights.
These four literary classics, each with its own distinctive qualities, not only enrich the Chinese literary tradition but also offer valuable insights into Chinese history, society, and culture. Through the exploration of these works, readers can delve into the complexities of human nature, moral dilemmas, and the pursuit of wisdom.
HanTok dedicated to promoting these literary treasures and providing comprehensive resources for readers to appreciate and understand them. Whether you are a scholar, student, or literature enthusiast, HanTok is committed to supporting your journey of exploration and providing a platform to discover the enduring charm of these classics.To learn more, you can click on the links below to view the HanTok Cultural Reading Course. https://ihantok.com/pages/chinese-specialized-courses-1