西廂記   By: Shifu Wang (1295-1307)

I recently finished reading this classic Chinese play and I must say, it was a truly captivating experience. The story follows the forbidden love between two individuals from different social classes, which leads to a series of challenges and obstacles they must overcome to be together.

The character development in this play is incredibly well done, with each character feeling complex and multi-dimensional. The dialogue is poetic and beautifully written, adding to the overall immersive atmosphere of the story.

One of the aspects I enjoyed the most about this play was its exploration of themes such as love, fate, and societal expectations. The play also provides an insightful look into Chinese culture and traditions, making it both entertaining and educational.

Overall, I highly recommend this play to anyone looking for a beautifully written and thought-provoking story. It is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with readers to this day.

First Page:

[外扮老夫人上開]老身姓鄭，夫主姓崔，官拜前朝相國，不幸因病告殂。只生得個小女， 小字鶯鶯，年一十九歲，針指女工，詩詞書算，無不能者。老相公在日，曾許下老身之 侄 乃鄭尚書之長子鄭 為妻。因俺孩兒父喪未滿，未得成合。又有個小妮子， 是自幼伏侍孩兒的，喚做紅娘。一個小廝兒，喚做歡郎。先夫棄世之後，老身與女孩兒 扶柩至博陵安葬；因路途有阻，不能得去。來到河中府，將這靈柩寄在普救寺內。這寺 是先夫相國修造的，是則天娘娘香火院，況兼法本長老又是俺相公剃度的和尚；因此俺 就這西廂下一座宅子安下。一壁寫書附京師去，喚鄭琩茯菃艀^博陵去。我想先夫在日，食前方丈，從者數百，今日至親則這三四口兒，好生傷感人也呵！... Continue reading book >>