文學としての董西廂(上)

Abstract

The Tung-hsi-hsiang 董西廂, attributed to Tung Chieh-yüan 董解元 of the Chin (Jurchen) dynasty, survives as the only extant text of the Chu-kung-tiao 諸宮調 genre, a popular dramatic form containing operatic passages, which prevailed at that time. As is well known, the T'ang tale Hui-chen-chi 會眞記 preserves in brief outline the original story theme, while the famous Yüan drama Hsi-hsiang-chi 西廂記 represents the fullest development of this traditional story. The development pattern of the story is far more complicated in the Tung-hsi-hsiang than in the original T'ang tale. Several times the intent of the protagonists is frustrated, but their hopes are eventually realized. The connections between the separate incidents are maintained in a natural and skillful manner.