从“剑”意象出发的对照： 谈元刊本与明本《王粲登楼》

A comparison based on the image of "sword": On the Yuan Dynasty zaju and the Ming Dynasty edition of "Wang Can Denglou"

Abstract

This article examines the literary connotations of the "sword" as portrayed by literati in
Tang poetry and explores how the Yuan dynasty zaju 杂剧 Wang Can Denglou 王粲登楼
incorporates the sword imagery into its dramatic creation. It further investigates how the play
reflects Wang Can’s perspective on both literary and martial virtues. The research findings indicate
that the sword imagery in the zaju largely derives from the historical anecdote of Feng Xuan 冯谖
plucking his sword. Wang Can frequently compares himself to figures like FengXuan and HanXin
韩信, albeit with different intentions, all serving Zheng Guangzu’s 郑光祖 purpose of shaping
Wang Can’s ambitions as a military general. Historically, Wang Can was skilled in both literature
and martial arts. The Yuan edition of the play aligns more closely with the historical image of Wang
Can, filling the gap regarding his martial persona.The Gu Mingjia edition《古名家杂剧》, a Ming
dynasty revision, retains most of the plot from the Yuan edition but alters, supplements, or omits
certain sword-related elements, thereby influencing Zheng Guangzu’s portrayal of Wang Can. A
comparison of the two versions reveals that the Yuan edition presents a richer depiction of Wang
Can, with more intricate literary imagery. This contrast highlights how the Yuan edition’s dramatists
portrayed Wang Can’s true character from their artistic perspective.As for the Ming period, the
sword no longer served a military function or acted as a symbol of ambition; hence, the omission of
“sword” in the Ming edition is understandable. This also offers a new perspective for understanding
the text’s lack of artistic expressiveness.