The Essence of the Matter: The Ideological World in Jin Yong's Martial Arts Novels

This book examines the societal challenges and the erosion of Chinese tradition during the 20th century. These factors have left people feeling lost and disoriented. Jin Yong's martial arts novels, with their depiction of martial arts prowess and the revival of the "rivers and lakes" culture, serve as a historical reconstruction and a return to tradition. They have become a source of cultural imagination for Chinese individuals worldwide and spiritual refugees. This book contextualizes Jin Yong's martial arts novels within the literary trends and creative landscape since the May Fourth Movement. It focuses on analyzing the key concepts within these novels to provide a comprehensive interpretation of Jin Yong's literary world. By doing so, it aims to shed light on Jin Yong's creative intentions, restore his rightful place in literary history, and offer a deep understanding of his martial arts novels.