从元杂剧《梧桐雨》与清传奇《长生殿》的比较中看李杨故事发展的异同 = A comparative study of traditional Chinese operas of the Yuan and Qing dynasty : “Rain on the Wu-tung Tree” and “The Palace of Eternal Youth”

Abstract

This thesis is a comparative study of traditional Chinese Operas of the Yuan and Qing Dynasty, namely Bai Pu’s “Rain on the Wu-tung Tree” (Tang Minghuang Qiuye Wutong Yu) and Hong Sheng’s The Palace of Eternal Youth (Changsheng Dian). The rationale behind the comparison is to observe similarities and differences in the development of the characters Emperor Tang Xuanzong and Lady Yang Yuhuan. The thesis consists of five chapters. The first chapter will start off by discussing the research value and significance of the topic. Chapter two goes on to provide the background introduction and compares the technical structures of the two opera texts. Chapter three explores the similarities between both works in aspects such as the reference of Tang Poetry “Song of Everlasting Sorrow” (Changhen Ge), the purpose of social criticism which the texts aim to bring across, and the influence of Bai Pu’s work on The Palace of Eternal Youth. This impact can be seen by the close examination of the content and lyrics in both works. Contrast in themes and ending will also be surveyed. Chapter four highlights the image of historical figures Emperor Tang Xuanzong and Lady Yang Yuhuan portrayed in the two literature texts. Different playwright’s interpretations of the two main characters are also examined.