RESEARCH ON ADAPTATED CHAOZHOU GECE "THE JADE NEEDLE" AND FEMALE THOUGHTS

Abstract

Chaozhou Gece, mainly in the spoken Teochew dialect in China, constitute a unique form of folk performing arts, largely disseminated and received by women, thus denoting a distinct form of female literary artistry. Among these Gece, numerous are adapted from ancient literary works (hereinafter referred to as the "adaptated" Chaozhou Gece), the study of which can aid in deciphering the inherent female thoughts prevalent in these Gece. This paper conducts a textual analysis of "The Jade Needle", a Chaozhou Gece adapted from the Qing dynasty's legendary tale "Yu Jia Le". By delineating its adaptive trajectory, we delve into the female thoughts embodied during the adaptive process of Chaozhou Gece creation. Results suggest that the adapted Chaozhou Gece place a heavier emphasis on the portrayal of women navigating life adversity, their cognitive shifts, and their confrontational process, praising their courage and determination when faced with difficulties. However, the overall content of the adaped Chaozhou Gece does not break away from the patriarchal societal norms of male supremacy and the principles of "San Gang Wu Chang". Nevertheless, the essential themes of upholding virtue, denouncing vice, and the courage to love and hate, revered by the Gece, are pertinent in our contemporary societal context.