Scholars' Caps in Unoffical History of the Scholars: Rereading Details from a Holistic Perspective

Abstract

Abstract: This article studies descriptions of scholars' caps in Unoffical History of the Scholars and investigates how this seemingly trivial detail connects to plot structure and the ideology of the novel. By examining types of caps, this article points out that although the novel potentially deals with scholars of the Qing, when it comes to describing their costumes Wu Jingzi refers to costume rituals of the Ming so as to strictly fit in the background of the Ming. This article illustrates how Wu Jingzi weaves details about caps into two main types of plot concerning disorder and chaos among literati circles and their living conditions within the hierarchical imperial examination system. In conclusion, the cap not only plays a positive role in structuring plot but also is well organized in a holistic perspective to reflect Wu Jingzi's contemplation on Confucian rituals.

Key words: Unoffical History of the Scholars, caps, costume, details, holistic perspective

Liu Ziyun . Scholars' Caps in Unoffical History of the Scholars: Rereading Details from a Holistic Perspective[J]. Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art.

References

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