A Study on the Narrative Characteristics of the Epic in 
the Book of Songs

Yiwei Ma

doi:10.70711/rcha.v2i12.6326

A Study on the Narrative Characteristics of the Epic in the Book of Songs

Yiwei Ma

Abstract

As a gem of ancient Chinese literature, the epic chapters in the Book of Songs present a unique artistic style in terms of narrative
structure and character portrayal. This paper explores the narrative characteristics of the Book of Songs epic, focusing on its central theme
remembering ancestors and praising their deeds. Through the analysis of chapters such as Shengmin, Gongliu, and Mian, it reveals how the
epic employs a concise narrative approach to depict historical events and the accomplishments of characters, as well as the artistic traits of
character typecasting. The paper further analyzes the origins of the epic, discussing the influence of the natural environment and social culture
of the Zhou people, and clarifies the profound significance of the epic as both a political and cultural tool.

Keywords

Book of Songs; Epic; Narrative characteristics

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References

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.70711/rcha.v2i12.6326

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