The story of a student in Peking, who having completed his course wandered to the temple of mysteries before he should go back to his home in the provinces. there he came upon a wall painting in an unfrequented corridor, a troop of goddesses gathering hyacinths in a meadow; but one of the goddesses was younger than the rest, for her hair was still low on her neck, and looking upon her, this student loved her. He knelt before the painting for a long time, perhaps passing into a trance. For it seemed to him that the youngest of the goddesses stepped out of the wall painting and down the corridor and through the courtyard to her own chamber. The student followed her, and had bur knelt at her feet to crave her kindness when there came a trampling of feet upon the stone. Terrified, she hid him behind a screen, and a great god in armor with a black lacquer face came through the door. He questioned, she protested; at last, he went ill satisfied, taking the youngest of the goddesses with him.
2007-06-07 09:35:25 · 10 answers · asked by Aurora L 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
It sounds like another version of the Cupid and Psyche story. Basically, the gods and the mortals are not meant to mix - everyone gets hurt, mortals and immortals alike. The black-lacqered god removed the young, inexperienced, and foolish goddess before she did something stupid. He did this to help both the goddess and the man, who having just completed his studies, was also young, inexperienced, and foolish.
2007-06-10 14:51:10 · answer #1 · answered by mcmufin 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Under the influence of the adoring fantasies of the student she forgot her place in the scheme of things, and was rebuked and returned by force.
In the Orient, women being submissive to men is the traditional order of things. She acted too independently, in the context of the story.
2007-06-07 16:41:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
That's a good story. Why does it have to mean anything other than the story itself.
The student is now trapped forever in the world of the wall painting
2007-06-07 16:38:51 · answer #3 · answered by SteveT 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It sounds like a story warning against idolatry and worshipping false images.
2007-06-08 08:03:21 · answer #4 · answered by Grinning Football plinny younger 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes this is strange .....doesn't make sense you sure you studying English ..lit ......most young English fems have long hair for start .....and she went ..why .....to scared to say no ..doesn't sound like English female ....think you have mixed up oriental with European ......sorry have another look question ... tutor ....
2007-06-08 16:10:18 · answer #5 · answered by bobonumpty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even though attraction and love are very powerful, position and responsibility pulled her back to where she belonged.
2007-06-07 16:42:44 · answer #6 · answered by Alicia 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm wondering why you would be studying a Chinese myth in English literature.
2007-06-07 16:54:04 · answer #7 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Sorry I don't know but make sure you let us know when you find out!
2007-06-07 18:22:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes this is a methaphor of a great chinese proverb :
piss in the wind and you will get wet
2007-06-07 16:44:10 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
he'd been on the wackie baccie
2007-06-07 16:49:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋