Chinese Literature Luo Guanzhongs Book Romance Of The Three Kingdoms

Chinese Literature
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Chinese Literature
Luo Guanzhong’s book “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” is a historical novel that based on event during the 14th century of the Chinese History. The setting of novel is in ancient China during the period leading to the end of both The Three Kingdoms and the Han Dynasty. The story, which use history, myths and legends, focuses on the struggles of the feudal lords together with their retainers as they dramatically tried to restore the Han dynasty that was slowly diminishing. By using different characters, the book shows how the fight to restoration the Han dynasty brought with it a remnant of three power blocs that eventually led to the formation of the Shu Han, Cao Hei and Eastern Wu states. Throughout the novel, there is a constant struggle for dominance amongst the three states that taking part in battles both personal and using the military. Through the book and especially using its Chapter 5 as a source of reference, it is possible to understand the Chinese history as at that time including its rich culture, the major features that defined the traditional Chinese society and its literature in general. A combination of the themes of morality and legend enables us to understand literary Chinese better by exploring this chapter.
In order to review, analyze or criticize the story, it is necessary to begin with understanding the plot in chapter 5. The story opens with a kingdom that is already under the leadership of the tyrant Dong Zhuo, who was considered monopolistic in his use of power and oppressive when it came to dealing with his people. His tyrannical rule made him a victim of various assassination attempts including one that was carried out by Cao Cao. Cao Cao at this time was also being seeked after by one of his companions in order to be slayed. Failure of Cao Cao to assassinate Dong Zhuo made him escape back to his hometown. He did not give up at this, but instead, made plans to gather a large army from the regional officials and warlords from various parts of the country. Even though the used an imperial edict that was fake, Cao Cao’s idea was to have a large army rising up against Dong Zhuo. Yuan Shao was selected as the leader of this uprising and he managed to put in place a coalition army consisting of 18 warlords, who together launched a campaign that was meant to punish Zhuo. With the beginning of the campaigns, followed a number of battles at Hulao Pass and at Shisui Pass, both of which Dong Zhuo lost.
In chapter 5 of the novel with the subtitle “Cao Cao appeals to the powerful Lords”, it is quite evident that the author borrowed a lot from the historical records available particularly from the Records of the Three Kingdoms. These records precisely describe the events leading to the end of the Han dynasty and the three kingdoms just as described in the novel. However, the author has to be appreciate for adding a personal touch to the book in a way that makes it both enjoyable and educative when reading it. For instance, the author does not based on his own knowledge of the historical records alone, but instead also uses a great storytelling technique to bring the characters to life by creating them with their uniq...