The Developmental Characteristics and Pathways of Tang Dynasty Tales of the Supernatural and the Strange as Reflected in the Miscellaneous Morsels from Youyang

Abstract

Although chuanqi (classical tales, literally transmitting the marvelous) represents the pinnacle of fiction buy Tang authors, there is no absolute chasm between chuanqi and zhiguai (tales of the strange). The changes in zhiguai itself also clearly manifest the evolution of artistic thinking in tales of the supernatural and the strange. The Miscellaneous Morsels from Youyang precisely illustrates the developmental characteristics and pathways of Tang fiction, especially tales of the supernatural and the strange. The depictions of the supernatural and the strange in this work show a decline in belief, while the artistic pursuit of “the strange” and “the playful” demonstrates a combination of both zhiguai nature and chuanqi style. The awareness, comprehensiveness, and textual significance of the work’s categorization reflect the evolution of its fictional qualities. Furthermore, the inclusion of exotic and ethnic minority myths and legends in the work, which differ in style and aesthetic appeal from those of the Han group in the Central Plains, helps to enrich the artistic thinking of Chinese tales of the supernatural and the strange.

Keywords

Duan Chengshi / Miscellaneous Morsels from Youyang / tales of the supernatural and the strange / chuanqi

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Higher Education Press