Abstract
the West (a Chinese hsiao-shuo, or work of prose fiction, in 100 chapters dating from the end of the sixteenth century) have provocative similarities beyond the contemporaneity of their authors and the close dates of publication of the versions we read today.' The greatest of their similarities is that both narratives are long works of sustained allegory; that is, both works participate in an intentional mode of composition where symbols, action, and language all function to project complex patterns of meaning beyond the literal level of the text.2 They are also bound by a theme of quest and by a sense of physical and spiritual progression on the part of the protagonists, which is achieved through their endurance of a series of adventures and trials. Culturally unrelated
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call