10.3 Short stories and their themes in the Ming period

The Ming dynasty saw a boom in vernacular fiction, with short stories becoming a popular form of entertainment. Writers like Feng Menglong and Ling Mengchu compiled collections that showcased a wide range of tales, from morality stories to romantic adventures.

These stories, known as huaben, often blended historical anecdotes with supernatural elements and social critique. They offered readers a mix of entertainment and moral lessons, while also providing commentary on Ming society and its values.

Prominent Authors and Collections

Feng Menglong and Ling Mengchu

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• Feng Menglong (1574-1646) was a prominent Chinese vernacular writer and poet during the late Ming dynasty
• Compiled and edited several influential collections of short stories, including Stories Old and New (Gujin Xiaoshuo) and Stories to Caution the World (Jingshi Tongyan)
• Ling Mengchu (1580-1644) was another notable vernacular fiction writer and publisher in the late Ming period
• Ling Mengchu's collections, such as Slapping the Table in Amazement (Pai'an Jingqi), featured a wide range of stories from various sources

Three Words (Sanyan) and Two Slaps (Erpai) Collections

• The Three Words (Sanyan) refers to three collections of vernacular short stories compiled by Feng Menglong
• These collections are Stories Old and New (Gujin Xiaoshuo), Stories to Caution the World (Jingshi Tongyan), and Stories to Awaken the World (Xingshi Hengyan)
• The Two Slaps (Erpai) refers to two collections of short stories compiled by Ling Mengchu
• Ling Mengchu's collections are Slapping the Table in Amazement (Pai'an Jingqi) and Second Collection of Slapping the Table in Amazement (Erke Pai'an Jingqi)

Huaben Stories

• Huaben stories were a popular form of vernacular fiction in the Ming dynasty
• These stories were often based on oral storytelling traditions and were written in a colloquial style accessible to a wider audience
• Huaben stories frequently drew inspiration from historical anecdotes, folk tales, and popular legends
• The Sanyan and Erpai collections are notable examples of huaben stories compiled and edited by Feng Menglong and Ling Mengchu respectively

Common Themes and Elements

Morality Tales and Social Critique

• Many short stories in the Ming period served as morality tales, promoting Confucian values and virtues
• These stories often depicted characters facing moral dilemmas or the consequences of their actions, encouraging readers to reflect on ethical principles
• Social critique was another common theme, with stories highlighting societal issues such as corruption, injustice, and the abuse of power
• Writers used their stories to expose and criticize the flaws and inequalities in Ming society, often through satire or allegory

Romance and Supernatural Elements

• Romance stories were popular in Ming dynasty short fiction, often featuring star-crossed lovers, love triangles, and the pursuit of true love
• These stories explored the complexities of human emotions and relationships, sometimes challenging traditional social norms and expectations
• Supernatural elements, such as ghosts, spirits, and mythical creatures, were frequently incorporated into Ming short stories
• These elements added an extra layer of intrigue and mystery to the narratives, often serving as a means to explore deeper themes or provide a fantastical escape for readers

Historical Anecdotes and Inspiration

• Many Ming dynasty short stories drew inspiration from historical anecdotes and famous figures from China's past
• Writers would adapt and embellish these historical accounts, adding fictional elements to create engaging and entertaining narratives
• By using historical settings and characters, authors could comment on contemporary issues and draw parallels between the past and present
• These stories also served to educate readers about Chinese history and culture, preserving and popularizing important figures and events through the medium of fiction