下载掌阅APP，畅读海量书库
立即打开
1. What are the “three kingdoms” in the title of this historical novel?
2. Why are there different English titles for this famous Chinese novel?
3. What elements do you think make a historical story interesting to readers today?
Get ready, book-lovers! We're opening one of China's most renowned literary works, Romance of the Three Kingdoms. What's the significance of the title? Don't be misled by the term “romance”—it's not a romantic love story. Discover some of the stories behind these three kingdoms, each with its unique culture and geography. Join us as we open the pages of this captivating narrative!
M at Welcome back to China Lifestyle Journeys ! Today, we're talking about a very famous Chinese book called Romance of the Three Kingdoms . Now, I know that this is one of China's most famous historical novels. So, let's start at the beginning with the title. Why is it Romance of the Three Kingdoms —what's the significance of “three kingdoms”?
J ocelyn Good question! The “three” in the title Romance of the Three Kingdoms refers to a critical period in Chinese history known as the Three Kingdoms period . This era occurred between the fall of the Han Dynasty and the rise of the Jin Dynasty , roughly spanning the years from 220 to 280 AD. During this time, the land that was previously unified under the Han Dynasty broke into three major states : Wei , Shu , and Wu . These three powers (or states), along with several other smaller factions, fought for power, leading to a complex and difficult period in Chinese history. So, the title Romance of the Three Kingdoms captures this central theme of the novel—the struggle for power among these three distinct states.
M at OK, so it sounds like a historical account with lots of intrigue and battles, but I'm a bit confused. When I did some background reading for this episode, I saw this book is titled Romance of the Three Kingdoms . Now, it doesn't really sound like a romantic love story.
J ocelyn Ah, I can see why that might sound confusing. The term “romance” might indeed be a bit misleading in this context. In the case of Romance of the Three Kingdoms , the word “romance” doesn't refer to romantic love, as we often think of it today. Instead, it's used in an older sense of the word. In literature, a “romance” can mean a tale of bravery, honour, heroism, and adventure set against a historical backdrop. So, when you see Romance of the Three Kingdoms, it means a narrative that's not just about battles and political intrigue, but also about the heroic deeds, courage, and strategic thinking of the characters during that difficult period.
M at Ah, I see now. So it's not a love story; it's about these three kingdoms. I've forgotten the names already. So tell me again, what are they called? Are these fictional places—these three kingdoms? Are they real? Or are they just invented for the book? Do they represent real places that we know in China today?
J ocelyn The three kingdoms are called Wei, Shu, and Wu. They might sound unfamiliar, but they were real historical states during the Three Kingdoms period. Wei was in the north, Shu in the southwest, and Wu in the southeast of ancient China. These kingdoms aren't fictional; they represent actual regions with their own language and culture. It's not easy to map them onto today's map of China, but a very simple explanation is that Wei was located in northern China, generally around modern-day Henan, Shanxi, Shandong, Hebei, and other provinces. Shu was situated in the southwest, mainly covering present-day Sichuan and parts of Gansu, Shaanxi, Yunnan, etc. Wu, on the other hand, was positioned in the southeast, encompassing areas of today's Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hunan, and other provinces. As I said, this is just a rough idea of where they were located. These locations were strategically important during the Three Kingdoms period. They each had unique geography and culture, playing a significant role in the historical events depicted in the novel.
M at So, to me, the novel sounds like a major historical struggle, a war even, between the north, the middle part of China, and the south of China. So, obviously, my question here is: who won the war?
J ocelyn You're right, Mat. It was indeed a major struggle between three powerful states. In the end, the Western Jin Dynasty replaced the state of Wei, brought an end to the period of the Three Kingdoms, and unified China . However, it's important to note that the novel doesn't just focus on the winner; it explores the complex characters and events from all three kingdoms, creating a rich story of historical narratives and human experiences.
M at To me, it sounds a bit similar to some of Shakespeare's plays like Macbeth or maybe something like Richard III , which are also about important historical, political struggles when countries were changing and there was a lot of social change. Now, those two plays I just mentioned Macbeth and Richard III, I think they're similar to Romance of the Three Kingdoms because they explore these ideas connected to power and human nature. So this classic Chinese story, I think, has something in common with some titles from classic English literature.
Look at the mind map below and try to introduce Romance of the Three Kingdoms in English.
Three Kingdoms period 三国时期
The “Three Kingdoms period” was a time in Chinese history from 220 to 280 AD. It was when China was divided into three separate states: Wei, Shu, and Wu.
Jin Dynasty 晋朝
The “Jin Dynasty” was a Chinese dynasty that unified China after the Three Kingdoms period. It began in 265 AD, following the fall of the Wei kingdom, and led to the end of the division between the three states.
state 国
In the Three Kingdoms period, a “state” was one of the three independent regions—Wei, Shu, or Wu. Each state had its own ruler, army, and government.
Wei (state) 魏国
“Wei” was one of the three main states during the Three Kingdoms period. It was located in the northern part of China and was known for its strong military power, led by Cao Cao.
Shu (state) 蜀国
“Shu” was one of the three kingdoms, located in the southwestern part of China. It was ruled by Liu Bei and was known for its loyal and virtuous leaders, including the famous general Guan Yu.
Wu (state) 吴国
“Wu” was the southeastern kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period. It was ruled by Sun Quan and was famous for its naval strength and strategic position along the Yangtze River.
strategic thinking 战略思维
“Strategic thinking” is the ability to plan ahead in complex situations. It involves analysing various factors, predicting possible outcomes, and making decisions to achieve long-term goals, especially in military or political contexts.
unify China 统一中国
To unify China means to bring all the separate states together under one government. During the Three Kingdoms, the goal of each state was to unify China and end the division.
historical narrative 历史叙事
A “historical narrative” is a story or account that describes past events. It can mix facts and interpretation, often focusing on the significance of events and the lessons they teach about human nature and society.
Macbeth 麦克白
Macbeth is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. It tells the story of a Scottish general whose ambition leads him to murder and tyranny. The play explores themes of power, guilt, and fate.
Richard III 理查三世
Richard III is a historical play by William Shakespeare. It focuses on the rise to power of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and his ruthless actions to seize the throne of England. The play explores themes of ambition, manipulation, and moral decay.
division of the Three Kingdoms 三分天下
This phrase describes the division of China into three parts, ruled by Wei, Shu, and Wu, during the Three Kingdoms period. It shows how the time was broken and full of conflict.
heroes competing for power 群雄逐鹿
This phrase describes the period when many powerful leaders, or warlords, fought for control of China. It symbolises the chaotic struggle between the states during the Three Kingdoms period.
righteousness 义气
“Righteousness” is closely related to moral integrity. It is often shown in personal sacrifice for the greater good, such as in the heroic actions of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.
chancellor 丞相
The “chancellor” was a high-ranking official who advised the ruler and helped manage the state. Zhuge Liang served as the chancellor of the Shu state, a position that was highly respected.
strategist 谋士
A “strategist” is a person who plans and organises military tactics. In Romance of the Three Kingdoms , people like Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi are famous for their strategic genius.
assassin 刺客
An “assassin” in the Three Kingdoms period is a person hired to kill an enemy leader or general. Famous assassins are known for their attempts to assassinate powerful figures, such as Cao Cao.
alliance 同盟
“Alliance” is a partnership between states or individuals to achieve a common goal. During the Three Kingdoms period, temporary alliances were often made for mutual benefit.
strategic wisdom 兵法
“Strategic wisdom” is the art of military strategy, which was highly emphasised during the Three Kingdoms period. Key figures like Zhuge Liang and Sun Tzu (author of The Art of War ) are known for their deep understanding of strategic thinking.
deception 计谋
“Deception” is a key tactic in the Three Kingdoms period, often used in military strategies. Clever deceptions played a vital role in the success of battles, such as the famous “empty city strategy” used by Zhuge Liang.
For multiple-choice questions, choose the right answer. For all the other questions, write short answers below.
1. Why is Mat confused about the title of this book?
a) Because it's too similar to Shakespeare's works.
b) Because he thought it was a love story.
c) Because there are too many characters.
d) Because the story has too many locations.
2. What does the text tell us about the locations of the three kingdoms?
a) They are all located in northern China.
b) They share similar culture and language.
c) They cover many of today's provincial borders.
d) They are invented by the author.
3. What are the names of the three kingdoms?
________________
________________
4. In the sentence “the historical events depicted in the novel,” which word can replace “depicted”?
a) Represented.
b) Adapted.
c) Donated.
d) Pictured.
5. What is NOT correct according to the text?
a) The novel describes a power struggle.
b) The story is a mix of history and adventure.
c) The book shares some similarities with Shakespeare's works.
d) The story takes place in the Han Dynasty.