| Abstract |
The present study delves into Han Yu's “The Biography of Mao Ying” and examines the use of allusions and narrative meanings in the text. The first section provides a summary of the previous research. The second section offers two novel ideas. 1. it analyzes Mao Ying's “Three Ancestors” allusion, which is found to correspond to the Xia, Shang, and Warring States periods, and refers to the different uses of “essays/ literati”. 2. it scrutinizes Han’s portrayal of Mao Ying, highlighting that Mao Ying’s depiction does not represent Han himself. Instead, it underscores Han’s use of irony and melancholy to convey the plight of literati, who struggle to assert their self-worth and are prone to being exploited by those in power. The third part discusses the “Grand Historian’s Commentary” of Mao Ying and Liu Zongyuan’s defense of “The Biography Mao Ying”. In the narrative of Mao Ying’s “three ancestors”, Han deliberately skips the Western Zhou dynasty and only discusses the “Mao of the Ji clan” in the “Grand Historian’s Commentary”; this fictional historical structure shows the opposition between the image of Mao Ying as a literati and Han Yu's ideal value. Furthermore, in addition to Liu’s deep understanding of Han’s creative concepts and ideals, he attempts to reconcile the satirical meaning of the “Biography of Mao Ying”. The paper also explores the humorous qualities of “The Biography of Mao Ying,” arguing that it is a masterful text that showcases Han’s passion for literary creation, which sustained him to persist in his values despite the hardships of reality. It offers readers the opportunity to temporarily escape the brutal reality of being a literati who is often powerless and reduced to a mere tool. By laughing out loud, readers can renew their commitment to the ideals and values of literary pursuits. |
