The Travels of Lao Ts'an

by Liu E

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Summary

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The Travels of Lao Ts'an offers readers a fascinating glimpse into a world that blurs the lines between the picaresque and the respectable. While it appears to follow the conventions of a picaresque novel, it notably diverges due to its protagonist's aristocratic background. Despite this deviation, the adventures of Lao Ts’an provide a vivid tableau of life, society, and culture, offering both entertainment and critical commentary.

An Unconventional Picaro

While the novel conforms to many elements of the picaresque genre, the protagonist, Lao Ts’an, does not fit the traditional mold of a picaro, a mischievous rogue of humble origins. Unlike the typical picaro, Lao Ts’an comes from an aristocratic lineage and does not engage in petty crimes or menial jobs. Instead, he adopts the guise of a roving healer, lending an air of respectability to his travels. This intriguing blend of character traits allows the work to retain the narrative style and episodic structure of picaresque literature, while infusing it with a uniquely Chinese perspective.

Narrative Style and Structure

Departing from the typical first-person recounting of picaresque tales, The Travels of Lao Ts’an employs an engaging third-person narrative voice. This choice enhances the storytelling, allowing the narrator to communicate directly with readers through a conversational tone that transcends translation. Such techniques are evident in the narrator's playful chapter conclusions, like inviting the audience to "hear the next chapter tell" when curious about upcoming events, or leaving whimsical comments at the end of key life events, adding a personal touch to the narrative.

Journeys and Encounters

The novel unfolds through a series of episodes, each linked by Lao Ts’an’s explorations and interactions. With unclear motivations, Lao Ts’an departs from familiar surroundings to meander through the countryside. His wanderings lead him to various locales where he engages with a cross-section of society, forming friendships, addressing local conflicts, and frequently coming to the aid of those unjustly accused or abused. While Lao Ts’an ostensibly supports himself by employing his healing skills, the narrative reveals deeper themes of justice and communal harmony as he applies his folk medicine expertise to help those in need.

Realism and Detail

True to the picaresque tradition, the novel paints a realistic picture of its world, capturing the essence of the settings and characters with meticulous detail. The vivid portrayal of the landscapes, coupled with precise descriptions of characters' attire and appearances, bring the narrative to life. Even everyday details, like the dimensions of rooms in inns or the elaborate meals shared by Lao Ts’an and his companions, enrich the reader’s experience. The narrative's attention to detail extends to cultural events; when Lao Ts’an attends a musical performance, his detailed observations of the musicians and audience vividly convey his enjoyment.

Satire and Social Commentary

Lao Ts’an’s adventures, while entertaining, often serve as a medium for satirical critiques of societal norms and government inefficiencies. Despite moving in governmental and aristocratic circles, Lao Ts’an maintains a skeptical view of their self-importance, frequently mocking their pretentious attitudes. His adventures subtly expose the shortcomings of blind tradition and highlight the need for reform. Through seemingly mundane incidents, Lao Ts’an's experiences critique unjust practices prevalent in late nineteenth-century China, offering insights into the social and political fabric of the time.

Adventures and Social Interaction

Aligned with the adventures typical of a picaresque hero, Lao Ts’an navigates a series of challenges with resilience and wit. He narrowly avoids the ire of a tyrannical ruler, rescues and marries a prostitute, and bravely challenges an official accusing a noblewoman of multiple murders, ultimately solving the case. Lao Ts’an's journey is not only about overcoming obstacles; it's also...

(This entire section contains 742 words.)

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about the pleasures of human connection. He rekindles friendships and forms new bonds, enjoying the hospitality of both the elite and the common folk. These encounters often unfold into philosophical dialogues, adding depth to seemingly simple social gatherings.

Publication and Legacy

The Travels of Lao Ts’an first reached the public as a serialized work under a pseudonym, originally comprising perhaps sixty chapters as opposed to the twenty now known. A forty-chapter version appeared in 1919, though its latter half was later deemed inauthentic. Over time, additional sections were located, validated, and published in China, with significant editions emerging in 1935 and 1972. The English translation from 1952 introduced readers to the original twenty chapters, now acknowledged as a cohesive account of Lao Ts’an’s adventures and reflections.

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