Chinese Demon Tales

This book, first published in 1990, is a thematic analysis of five tales of early vernacular Chinese literature. Interest in vernacular stories is increasing in the study of Chinese literature, as their importance is being recognised as a key part of the oral traditional narrative. From the analysis of the five Chinese tales in light of literary, historical, philological sources and folkloristic methodologies we may see to what extent tales of an intrinsically religious nature can offer meanings in the oral tradition.

Ping-Chiu Yen

1. Current Methodologies in Folklore and Mythology 2. Summaries of the Tales 3. Thematic Analysis: Lord's Theory in Application to Chinese Material 3.1. The Theme of the Spring or Qing-Ming Festival 3.2. The Theme of the Journey 3.3. The Theme of Wine Drinking 3.4. The Theme of the Otherworld Journey 3.5. The Theme of the Otherworld Hostess 3.6. The Theme of the Feast 3.7. The Theme of the Sexual Escapade or Marriage Proposal 3.8. The Theme of Horrification 3.9. The Theme of Acquiring Medicine or Medical Knowledge 3.10. The Theme of Escape 3.11. The Theme of Return 3.12. Repetition of Themes 3.13. The Theme of Demon's Visit or Reencounter with Demon 3.14. The Theme of Exorcism 3.15. Ending 3.16. The Thematic Pattern 4. A Search for Possible Meanings 4.1. Meanings in Chinese Tradition 4.2 Meanings in Cross-Cultural Traditions