WeRead Powered by ReaderPub
漢宮秋 cover

漢宮秋

By Zhiyuan Ma
Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

Mythology, Legends & FolklorePlays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

A traditional Chinese zaju drama dramatizes the court selection of a beautiful woman ensnared by a scheming court painter whose deliberate blemishes on her portrait keep her overlooked, then the emperor’s belated favor and a diplomatic crisis when a northern chieftain demands her as bride to secure peace. She accepts exile to avert war, while ministers debate honor, statecraft, and the cost of royal indulgence. Themes of betrayal, duty, and sorrow unfold across a prologue and four acts using lyric monologues and sung passages that contrast intimate longing with political necessity.

About the Author

Ma, Zhiyuan portrait

Zhiyuan Ma

Ma Zhiyuan was a prominent Chinese playwright and poet of the Yuan dynasty, known for his contributions to the genre of zaju, a form of Chinese drama. His most notable work, "漢宮秋" (Han Gong Qiu), reflects the themes of love and longing, showcasing his skill in blending poetic language with dramatic narrative. Ma's works are significant in the context of Chinese literature, as they highlight the cultural and artistic developments of his time. His ability to capture human emotions and societal issues has left a lasting impact on the literary heritage of China.

You May Also Like

6 picks
"Gombo Zhèbes." Little Dictionary of Creole Proverbs cover "Gombo Zhèbes." Little Dictionary of Creole Proverbs by Lafcadio Hearn "Out of the East": Reveries and Studies in New Japan cover "Out of the East": Reveries and Studies in New Japan by Lafcadio Hearn 'Round the Year in Myth and Song cover 'Round the Year in Myth and Song by Florence Holbrook 'Round the yule-log: Christmas in Norway cover 'Round the yule-log: Christmas in Norway by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen 1000 Mythological Characters Briefly Described / Adapted to Private Schools, High Schools and Academies cover 1000 Mythological Characters Briefly Described / Adapted to Private Schools, High Schools and Academies by Edward Sylvester Ellis A Bakony (2. kötet) cover A Bakony (2. kötet) by Károly Eötvös