The Research Of Fan Henian’s Taohuaying Chuanqi

Fan Henian is a romancist lived in Hongtong of Qing Dynasty who has been regarded as an important romancist in Qianlong Dynasty of Qing Dynasty. Of all the romantic works written in Qing Dynasty, Only a few romances delved into the theme of ghost. Therefore, Fan Henian’s Taohuaying Chuanqi, a successful and influential one in this aspect, occupied an important position in romances of Qing Dynasty. However, even today, research into Fan Henian is still not comprehensive and systematic. At the same time, there is also a lack of systematic study about Taohuaying Chuanqi. It is definitely meaningful to make a comprehensive study about Fan Henian’s Taohuaying Chuanqi.This thesis consists of five chapters. The first chapter includes the author, version and rough ideas of the story. There exist different ideas about the author of Taohuaying Chuanqi. Some scholars consider Yanyunzhaizhuren as its author, some Cha Kui, still some Fan Henian. This thesis will analyze the three different ideas and identify with Fan Henian version. Then, the author will give a thorough account of the different versions and the plot of this story. The second chapter focuses on Fan Henian’s family background, life experiences as well as his interpersonal relationships. In this part, a detailed and systematic introduction to Fan’s family background, his names, years of birth and death as well as life experience. Fan wandered all his life and kept in close touch with many refined scholars, placeman, aides and staff. This part will analyze some of his friends. The third chapter relates to the story itself of Taohuaying Chuanqi. Based on Painting, a tale in Tang Dynasty, Fan Henian accomplished the tale of Taohuaying Chuanqi. When writing it, Fan also referred to some historical record and was influenced by tales of other themes. The fourth chapter will center on the religious factors in Taohuaying Chuanqi. In this chapter, the author will analyze the underlying factors of religion from the following three aspects:Fan’s thoughts, character and the times when he lived. The fifth chapter revolves around the appreciation of the writing techniques and artistic characteristics, including the structure, characters and language of this tale.This thesis, based on precedent research and information collected, makes a comprehensive and systemic analysis on Taohuaying Chuanqi. This thesis not only describe Fan’s life in detail, but for the first time investigates the book in depth. Therefore, it helps to fill the gaps in the study of Ming and Qing Dynasty Legend, provides reference for the understanding and rewriting of romance development history during the reign of emperor of Qianlong and Jiaqing in Qing Dynasty. At the same time, this thesis is of documentary value of drama literature.