Heroines of Jiangyong : Chinese narrative ballads in women's script / translation & introduction by Wilt L. Idema.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Idema, W. L. (Wilt L.)

Series:

Donald R. Ellegood International Publications

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Chinese poetry--Women authors--Translations into English.

Chinese poetry.

Chinese poetry--China--Jiangyong Xian.

Chinese poetry--20th century.

Physical Description:

viii, 181 p. : ill.

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Seattle : University of Washington Press, c2009.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Heroines of Jiangyong is the first English translation of a set of verse narratives recorded in the unique women's script (nushu) of rural Jiangyong County, Hunan, in southern China. This selection of Chinese folk literature provides a rare window into the everyday life of rural daughters, wives, and mothers, as they transmit valuable lessons about surviving in a patriarchal society that is often harsh and unforgiving. Featuring strong female protagonists, the ballads deal with moral issues, dangers women face outside the family home, and the difficulties of childbirth. The women's script, which represents units of sound in the local Chinese dialect, was discovered by scholars in the late twentieth century, creating a stir in China and abroad. This volume offers a full translation of all the longer ballads in women's script, providing an exceptional opportunity to observe which specific narratives appealed to rural women in traditional China. The translations are preceded by a brief introduction to women's script and its scholarship, and a discussion of each of the twelve selections.

Contents:

Moral tracts. Admonitions for my daughter ; The ten months of pregnancy ; The family heirloom ; The lazy wife

Narrative ballads. The tale of third sister ; The daughter of the Xiao family ; Lady Luo ; The Maiden Meng Jiang ; The flower seller ; The demonic carp ; The karmic affinity of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai ; Fifth daughter Wang.

Notes:

Translated from the Chinese.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 177-181).

Description based on print version record and CIP data provided by publisher; resource not viewed.

ISBN:

9780295800110

0295800119

OCLC:

772529125