因果報應的觀念是傳統文化中極為重要的一環，特別是透過通俗文學的運用與傳播，更使得這樣的觀念在民間愈加普及與深化。而在因果報應的許多傳說之中，又以地獄審判最令人畏懼。由於地獄報應的信仰在庶民社會裡長期而廣泛地流傳著，因此其中應有傳統社會的文化內涵與民俗心理的積澱。從古至今，在涉及地獄報應的種種課題之中，「秦檜」都是一個重要而典型的對象。因此，通過「秦檜故事」的發展來考察地獄審判的文化，應是一個值得研究的課題。本文首先疏理在不同時代和社會環境的影響下，秦檜冥報故事如何演變？其次探究相關故事中歷時不變的文化意涵是什麼？研究目的在於透過「秦檜」這一具體對象，探究因果報應的文化內涵。

“Cause and effect retribution” the idea is important in China's traditional culture, specially passes through the popular literature the dissemination, causes this idea to be more common to the traditional society's influence and to be thorough.At “Cause and effect retribution” in many fables, also by “hell retribution” most frightening. Because “Hell retribution” the belief spreads in the civil society medium and long-term, therefore should have the traditional culture significance.From ancient times till now, in involves in hell retribution's all sorts of topics, “Qin kuai” （秦檜）is one important and the typical object.Therefore, passes Qin Kuai story development inspects hell retribution culture, should be a valuable research.The present paper first reorganizes the different time the Qin Kuai story, understood the story evolves process? Next, inquired into that precipitates in is related inside the story the cultural meaning is assorted? The research goal lies in penetrates “Qin Kuai” this concrete object, the inquisition retributive justice's cultural connotation.