Leiden University Student Repository

Berkel, M.A.C. van (2014)

Wang Xifeng en Wu Zetian: Een vergelijking tussen twee ambitieuze vrouwen / Wang Xifeng and Wu Zetian: A comparison between two ambitious women

Bachelor thesis | Chinastudies (BA)

In an article by Louise Edwards she mentioned the writer Wang Yigang who pointed out some similarities between the fictional character Wang Xifeng and the historical Empress Wu Zetian (625-705) of the Tang dynasty. In my thesis I wanted to explore this matter further. My main question is whether Wang Xifeng in the Dream of the Red Chamber, written by Cao Xueqin (ca. 1715 - ca.1764) in the Qing Dynasty, and Wu Zetian have striking similarities. A subquestion is whether there is any evidence that Cao Xueqin modeled his character Wang Xifeng after Wu Zetian. My findings are that the good and especially the bad qualities of character largely correspond, as well as aspects of behavior and skills. The main difference is the social position of the two women. My transgressionmodel illustrates that both women crossed socially accepted borders by making use of masculine behavior (gender bending). There is not enough evidence to prove that Cao Xueqin modeled his character after Wu Zetian. This...Show moreIn an article by Louise Edwards she mentioned the writer Wang Yigang who pointed out some similarities between the fictional character Wang Xifeng and the historical Empress Wu Zetian (625-705) of the Tang dynasty. In my thesis I wanted to explore this matter further. My main question is whether Wang Xifeng in the Dream of the Red Chamber, written by Cao Xueqin (ca. 1715 - ca.1764) in the Qing Dynasty, and Wu Zetian have striking similarities. A subquestion is whether there is any evidence that Cao Xueqin modeled his character Wang Xifeng after Wu Zetian. My findings are that the good and especially the bad qualities of character largely correspond, as well as aspects of behavior and skills. The main difference is the social position of the two women. My transgressionmodel illustrates that both women crossed socially accepted borders by making use of masculine behavior (gender bending). There is not enough evidence to prove that Cao Xueqin modeled his character after Wu Zetian. This research is interdisciplinary and contributes to the academic fields of China Studies and Gender Studies.Show less

Author

Berkel, M.A.C. van

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Chinastudies

Supervisors

Keijser, A.S.

ECTS Credits

10

Language

nl