Meng Leh Kun : An Analysis of the Women’s Roles Perceived in the Literary Translation of the Chinese Chronicle Nguan Chiao

Abstract

                This research study aimed to analyze the women’s roles as perceived in the female protagonist Meng Leh Kun in the literary translation of the Chinese chronicle Nguan Chiao.  The findings revealed that had the Chinese women in the old days been given an opportunity to be educated as the Chinese men in general were, they could have employed the wisdom and knowledge acquired from education in official positions and attained professional achievements.

                In addition, the analysis reflected the ways of life of the Chinese in the ancient time that followed the social code of interpersonal relationships according to the teaching of Confucius, a Chinese philosopher of the ancient period, who divided interpersonal relationships into five categories: father-children relationship, husband-wife relationship, sibling relationship, ruler-subordinate relationship, and friendship.  In Nguan Chiao, three categories of relationships were found.  First, the father-daughter relationship could be seen in the daughter’s role performed by the female protagonist who took good care of her parents.  Second, the husband-wife relationship could be seen in the female protagonist’s role of a good wife whose lasting love for the male protagonist, her husband-to-be. Finally, the ruler-subordinate relationship could be seen in the female protagonist’s humility as a courtier who never attempted to equate herself with her emperor, never exploited his favor by getting too close to him, and never paid attention to the promise of fame and fortune bestowed by him.  The  female  protagonist  served  the  emperor honestly  and  loyally  in  her  official  position. These relationships reflected that if the people from both sides conducted their relationships according to the moral code of Confucius’s five categories of relationships, they would live together peacefully in the society.