A Stereotypical Mode of Creativity

Abstract

There is a character in a particular drama called Chen Shimei.¹ This intellectual of ancient times became quite learned, obtained a "degree," and then became "too good" for his wife who had been with him through thick and thin. Eventually, he even attempted to murder his wife and his own son. That is why he is despised and scorned by people throughout history. It is said that there was truly such a person in history. But the Chen Shimei in real life was not like this. Today, people in his village continue to ban the showing and performance of the drama Qin Xianglian. ² The simplistic and stereotyped method of portraying the hypocrisy, falsehood, and evil of the intellectual Chen Shimei in order to show off the truth, goodness, and beauty of Qin Xianglian is no longer a method that captures people's hearts and imaginations.