| Content:It is known that the masterpiece Dream of the Red Chamber is the typical representative of Chinese classical novels. It is regarded as "an encyclopedia" because its all-embracing property in art and culture. Kunqu Opera, as the current most ancient drama form, is called "The Master of All Operas". Both of them are the treasures of Chinese culture and they are closely related with each other. Since Chinese culture has a kind of natural and comprehensive cohesion, the great Chinese national cultural system has been formed by the communication, combination and accumulation of Chinese art and culture, which has a marvelous cultural fusion reaction.This thesis aims to draw a conclusion through strong historical sources and exact analysis, that is, Cao Xueqin considered Kunqu Opera as an important cultural sign of the current social custom, which was represented in his works. He recorded and confirmed the greatest period of the development of Kunqu Opera. Thus, Dream of the Red Chamber becomes the most significant reference and written document which records, reflects, maintains and explores the artistic activity of Kunqu Opera. Kunqu, on the other hand, enriches the creation of the masterpiece Dream of the Red Chamber and express Cao Xueqin's essential ideas and aesthetic pursuit in this work. It is rare in the history of literature and art that two representatives of Chinese culture appear at the same period and interacted with each other, which is of typical symbol and academic value.This thesis consists of altogether five parts. The introductory part demonstrates the main topic: Kunqu Opera in Dream of the Red Chamber. The final part is a general summary of the whole thesis and draws a conclusion of the study.The main body of this thesis is divided into three chapters:Chapter one is the Family Troupe(家班) of Kunqu Opera in Dream of the Red Chamber. It introduces the types of family troupes and the Yi Ling family respectively. Family troupe is an organization where the opera artists are trained during the Qing and Ming Dynasty and the continuance and interpretation of Kunqu Opera. The vicissitudes of Kunqu Opera's family troupes and the honor or disgrace its Yi Ling serves as powerful proofs of the development, prosperity and evolution of Kunqu Opera. Therefore, this part becomes a breakthrough point to be mainly discussed.Chapter two is the Kunqu Opera in Dream of the Red Chamber. It is illustrated from three aspects: play menus, zhezi drama (折子) , and classical Kunqu plays. In the middle of the Ming Dynasty, Kunqu Opera became greatly accepted and invigorated the legendary drama. Thus, it makes Chinese drama reach a new height. During these periods, a number of famous plays and outstanding zhezi drama appear in Kunqu Opera through long-time performance. As the sources of Kunqu Opera, these plays and arias are still taking an active part on stage through years' selection and improvement. So this chapter is only a transitional part.Chapter three mainly focused on the aesthetics of Kunqu Opera in Dream of the Red Chamber. It is discussed the subjectivity aesthetics, the objectivity aesthetics and the concept aesthetics. As we know, art derives from humans' pursuit and comprehension of beauty. Kunqu is beautiful for all its elements are matched perfectly and harmoniously. People experience beauty differently according to their different times, age, experience and social status. In a word, the core of art aims at beauty. That is also the reason why I put this part in the last chapter.On May, 18th, 2001, Kunqu Opera was called "Human Being Verbal and Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Work" by UNESCO. On May, 20th, 2006, the State Department gave the permission that Kunqu could be listed in the first batch of The National Intangible Cultural Heritage. I believe that this comparative study of two cultures will benefit those students who are engaged in the research study of art and culture. Furthermore, the combination of Chinese classical literature and Chinese classical drama will be greatly promoted to find the historical trace of art and culture. |
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