The Identity Alignment of Fictional Historical Figures Against the Background of Ethnic Strife in Jin Yong’s Works: A Case Study of Guo Jing
Abstract
As the saying goes, “Empires arise from chaos and collapse back into chaos.” This notion finds its reflection in ancient China, where issues of identity alignment emerged in tandem with the succession of dynasties. Meanwhile, in recent years, global events such as the Russia-Ukraine Conflict and the Taiwan Question have once again pushed the overarching themes of ethnic strife and identity alignment to the forefront of public discourse. Taking Guo Jing (Guo) as a case study, a pivotal character from Jin Yong’s works, as the research subject, this paper explores Jin Yong’s perspectives on the identity alignment of historical figures amid the intense ethnic conflicts of the Southern Song Dynasty. It does so by examining Guo’s personality, family background, and the key events he experienced. Notably, Jin Yong artfully adapts historical figures and events through his narratives, thereby presenting the issue of identity alignment among the historical figures in his works to readers.
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