Social and Literary Function of the Gift Exchange Narrative in Jin Ping Mei

Gift exchange is necessary to maintain , a ubiquitous system of social networks in China, which has drawn little academic attention in Chinese literary criticism. The narrative of gift exchange for permeates . Through gift exchange, the central character, Ximen Qing, achieved his fortune and success...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sungkyun journal of East Asian studies 2022, 22(1), , pp.65-85
Main Author: Han, Ruihui
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Asian History
Asian Studies
Cultural Studies
East Asia
History
학제간연구
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Summary:Gift exchange is necessary to maintain , a ubiquitous system of social networks in China, which has drawn little academic attention in Chinese literary criticism. The narrative of gift exchange for permeates . Through gift exchange, the central character, Ximen Qing, achieved his fortune and success. This article sets out to discuss the social and literary function of gift exchange narratives in terms of plot and characterization from the perspective of . It argues that the necessary asymmetry in gift exchange, as a part of , propels narrative development, creates suspense that arouses the reader's curiosity, and leads narrative coherence. Without direct psychologizing of characters' minds, the narrative of gift exchange offers glimpses into the inner worlds of the characters by combining an instrumental purpose and sentimental means.
ISSN:1598-2661
2586-0380
DOI:10.1215/15982661-9767202