Gwendolyn Chingyao Liu, M.A.
Abstract (Summary)
Jin Yong's knight-errant novels are the most popular works in modern Chinese literature. Until now, few studies have been done to evaluate the literary merits of these works. In this thesis, I have applied three thematic approaches to examine his fictional narratives: Popular literature, political satire, and sexual politics. Examining these works primarily as popular literature, I focus upon the narrative backdrop of his knight-errant tales, and provide an introduction to some of these stories. As a form of political satire, I demonstrate the use of power struggles providing a focal point in the knight-errant tales. Examining the issue of sexual politics, I argue that Jin's works are basically male texts which cater to male fantasies of women and love.
Advisor: Cheung, Dominic