Abstract
This thesis aims at casting a new light on the classical Chinese fiction in Liao, Jing, and Yuan Dynasties. Through the acts of reading, criticising and reflecting on the thirty-eight fiction works in Liao, Jing, and Yuan Dynasties, this thesis re-examines the types of the fiction, explores its features, investigates the religious thought of the times, and analyzes the evolution of the story plots and writing techniques. With this multiple-perspective approach, the thesis gives not only a comprehensive understanding and subtle insight into the classical Chinese fiction in Liao, Jing, and Yuan Dynasties, but also makes up for a lack of research on the subject all through the ages.
The thesis is divided into seven chapters. Chapter 1 outlines the aims and purposes of the research. Chapter 2 reviews the literature relating to the research subject. Chapter 3 discusses the types of fiction in Liao, Jing, and Yuan Dynasties. Chapter 4 investigates the features of the fiction and its characteristics of the times. Chapter 5 explores the concept and belief reflected in the fiction. Chapter 6 analyzes the relation between the fiction and other genres. Chapter 7 presents the conclusions.
With its rich content, the classical Chinese fiction in Liao, Jing, and Yuan Dynasties has substantial historical value, which is a valuable source of the study of literature, folk culture and art history. In addition, the story themes and forms of the classical Chinese fiction in Liao, Jing, and Yuan Dynasties inherits the past, ushers in the future and makes a breakthrough in the history of Chinese fiction.