Analysis Of The Drama Theory Of Wu Weiye

Wu Weiye,a famous poet in the late Ming and early Qing period,was so absorbed in traditional Chinese opera that he had created numerous excellent poems as well as dramas,including 3 poetic dramas written during his secluded life in the early Qing dynasty,namely Mo Ling Chun,Tong Tian Tai and Lin Chun Ge,which were inspired by his rich drama-related activities and close interactions with the various professionals.What's more,he had written more than 10 opera-related poetries and 6 prefaces.All of these activities and materials can provide scientific basis for the investment on his drama theory.This thesis is an attempt to investigate Wu Weiye 's drama theory from his related activities and interactions to tease apart his close relationship with the theatrical circle in the late Ming and early Qing period.Its aim is to summarize the main content and theoretical characteristics of his drama theory through the analysis of the extant drama works,related poetry and preface.This thesis consists of 4 parts:The first part verifies Wu Weiye 's opera-related activities and his interactions with dramatists,congenial literati and performers through his chronicle.These activities and interactions not only indicate his deep knowledge of the drama,but lay foundation to his later creation practice and the formation of systematical ideas on drama.The second part makes a specific analysis of his three drama works from the creative motivation,emotional characteristics and artistic methods.On the basis of his drama works,it explores the reasons why Wu Weiye choose to write drama and some ideas he wanted to demonstrate.The third part focuses on the main content of Wu Weiye 's related poetry and preface from the study of his activities and creation to discuss his specific opinions on the creation of drama,literary form,history of drama,transmission,aesthetic and so on.The fourth part mainly explores the characteristics of expression and content of Wu Weiye 's theory on drama.It points out three characteristics:his theory is relatively partial in form for his theme concentrated mainly on drama-related poetry and preface;its content shows the typical critical writing method used by literati;and Wu Weiye adopted the same ideas,that is,"poetry is connected with history" and "history of mind,,,on creating both poetry and drama.Generally speaking,the attention and enthusiasm Wu Weiye showed in drama is no accident.On the contrary,it was based on particular historical contexts.The Ming and Qing dynasty were the golden age of Kunqu,which was deeply loved by the literati,especially by the writers of the former dynasty who used drama to show their depression.As a typical representative,Wu Weiye 's creation and ideas of drama is a choice of time rather than himself.