The Study On The Imperial Examinations Of Sixty Traditional Operas

In Sixty Traditional Operas, the collection of Ming legends, more than 31 operas have bearing on imperial examinations. Abundant and diversified, they are of certain value. However, specialized research reports for the imperial examinations included are still in shortage. Hence, underlying the details of imperial examination scenes in the 31 operas, this paper will:First, analyze various contents of examinations and question-answer situations and discover the similarities and differences by contrasting dramatic imperial examinations and real imperial examinations. Second, make an analysis of the performing styles on bright field, dark field, bright-and-dark field in imperial examination scenes,and the technique of expressions, like gag, the"Bagu" and mutualism of blankness and fullness. Third, discourse the multiple influences that imperial examinations have on opera scripts and structures. Last, search the causes of how imperial examination halls general, from four aspects:the librettist, the audience, the society and the stage.By doing all above, we are able to have a overall knowledge of Ming imperial examination halls and improve the comprehension of scholars'psychology, life, institution and society in Ming Dynasty.