The Outer History of Confucianism is a classic in the history of ancient Chinese literature, which takes the intellectuals under the imperial examination system of the Ming and Qing dynasties as the protagonists, and profoundly reveals the corruption and darkness of that era through the depiction of some typical literati and writers and bureaucrats and gentry in the society at that time.
The story mainly revolves around a group of intellectuals, some of whom are unscrupulous in pursuit of fame and fortune, and some choose to retreat to the mountains and forests because they are dissatisfied with reality. Among these characters, there is a middle-aged man named Fan Jin, who has been pursuing fame all his life, but has repeatedly failed in the attempt, and it is not until his later years that he is admitted to the Jinshi. When he learned the news that he had been admitted to the Jinshi, he fainted due to excessive excitement, and finally died in the ridicule and sarcasm of people.
In addition to Fan Jin, there are many other characters in the story, such as the talented Du Shaoqing and the witty Yang Zhizhong. They each have different personalities and destinies, but they are all bound and oppressed by the imperial examination system. At that time, the imperial examination system was the only way out for intellectuals, and many people did whatever it took to gain fame, even giving up their personality and dignity.
Through the depiction of these characters, the author Wu Jingzi profoundly reveals the drawbacks and harms of the imperial examination system. Through his depictions of the fate and suffering of intellectuals, he shows the social landscape and human weakness of that era. At the same time, he also expressed his deep anxiety about that era and his ardent expectations for the future.
In terms of art, "The Outer History of Confucianism" adopts the technique of realism, through the detailed portrayal of the characters and the in-depth analysis of the society, so that readers can more truly feel the life atmosphere and social style of that era. At the same time, the author also uses irony and humor to make the story more vivid and interesting, so that readers can appreciate the author's wisdom and talent in laughter.
In short, The Outer History of Confucianism is a literary masterpiece with profound thoughts and outstanding artistic value. It not only reveals the corruption and darkness of that era, but also expresses the author's thoughts on human nature, society and the future. By reading this work, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural background of that era, and at the same time, they can also appreciate the charm of ancient Chinese literature.