湯顯祖之 ≪牡丹亭≫對六朝志怪小說素材的吸收與發展

Abstract

In the <Preface of Peony Pavilion(牡丹亭題詞)>, Tang Xian-zu wrote that he borrowed some materials from <Xu Xuanfang’s Daughter(徐玄方女)>, <Feng Xiaojiang’s Son(馮孝將男)>and <Tan Sheng(談生)>, which are mystery tales of the Wei Jin Southern and Northern Dynasties. This paper studied just how he used those three sources. ≪Peony Pavilion≫is among Tang Xian-zu’s most famous books. From the Ming Dynasty to the present, there have been two contrasting views on it: some have called it a great love story, while others have considered it just pornography. In fact, these views are two sides of the same coin. Tang Xian-zu’s opinion is it depends on how the writer depicts or expresses the story. Tang Xian-zu took some basis from those three sources, and then added many other details through his profound thought and sentiment. He absorbed and enriched the original materials. In ≪Peony Pavilion≫, Tang Xian-zu also wrote a great deal of content concerning erotica and war. As a great writer, he knew what his readers and reviewers wanted, so he added them to ≪Peony Pavilion≫.