Research Article
From Pre-Qin Documents to Novel of Manners in Ming-Qing: A Brief Study on the Evolution of Legalism in Ancient China Society from a Literary Perspective
Abstract
Ancient texts like the Book of Rites, Rites of Zhou, and The Book of Lord Shang provide crucial references for modern scholars studying traditional legal thought led by the political ideologies of Confucianism and Legalism. Meanwhile, the Ming-Qing period novel Awakening of the World's Marriages exposes the absurdities of judicial practices during that era, offering profound insights and serving as a cautionary tale for future generations to avoid repeating historical mistakes.
Keywords: The Book of Rites; The Book of Lord Shang; Awakening of the World's Marriages; Cautious punishment; Severe penalty
References
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