Introduction
"Kai Lung's Golden Hours" is a 1922 novel by British author Ernest Bramah. It is the 2nd book in the Kai Lung series, which revolves around the character Kai Lung-- a travelling Chinese storyteller. The book is set in ancient China and consists of a series of loosely adjoined stories, all informed by Kai Lung to various listeners. These stories are embedded within a larger narrative of Kai Lung's adventures and encounters. The novel checks out styles such as love, loyalty, and the nature of real wisdom, and is identified by its blend of Chinese folklore, humor, and a special prose style that is heavily affected by classical Chinese literature.
Plot Summary
"Kai Lung's Golden Hours" starts with the itinerant writer Kai Lung traveling through the Chinese countryside, sharing his tales and wisdom with the people he fulfills along his journey. Early in the novel, he is apprehended by the minions of the corrupt Mandarin, Shan Tien, on false charges of spreading dissent and disloyalty among the people. Shan Tien means to carry out Kai Lung as a method of additional combining his power and suppressing dissent. Nevertheless, as with lots of bad guys in Chinese literature, Shan Tien has a weakness-- he is consumed with hearing stories, which will ultimately prove to be his undoing.
While in prison, Kai Lung befriends a fellow prisoner named Wang Yu, who is likewise slated for execution. Wang Yu is a devout and innocent male, incorrectly implicated of a crime he did not dedicate. The two males construct a strong friendship, with Kai Lung amusing Wang Yu and their fellow prisoners by telling various stories that often contain ethical knowledge and insightful commentary on the human condition. These stories serve not just as a method of escape for the prisoners however likewise as a car for Kai Lung to share his knowledge and teach important life lessons to his audience.
As his execution date approaches, Kai Lung is brought prior to the terrible Mandarin Shan Tien, who ends up being mesmerized by the writer's ability and ability to weave captivating tales. Acknowledging an opportunity to conserve his own life and assist his buddy Wang Yu, Kai Lung offers to tell a story every day in exchange for having the executions held off. Shan Tien concurs, and so starts a series of stories that each work as a testimony to Kai Lung's wit, knowledge, and resourcefulness.
The Stories
Throughout the novel, Kai Lung shares numerous stories, each providing a distinct viewpoint on life and exploring different themes such as love, loyalty, and the nature of real knowledge. These tales often include a not likely hero getting rid of excellent chances or adversity, and they frequently consist of components of Chinese folklore, mythology, and supernatural incidents. Some of the stories consist of "The Reward of Virtue", "The Cunning of Lao Ting", "The Vision of Yin, the Son of Yat Huang", and "The Transmutation of Ling".
Each story not only entertains the listeners-- consisting of the significantly consumed Shan Tien-- but likewise functions as a means for Kai Lung to undermine the Mandarin's authority and expose his corruption. As the book progresses, the writer's impact grows, and his tales eventually result in a popular uprising against the corrupt Mandarin.
Conclusion
"Kai Lung's Golden Hours" concludes with the failure of Shan Tien, the vindication of Wang Yu, and the victory of Kai Lung's wisdom and storytelling. The book is a traditional example of the power of stories to entertain, inform, and ultimately result change on the planet. In this case, Kai Lung's skillful weaving of tales not only conserves his own life however likewise brings about positive change in the lives of those around him.
The book's distinct mix of Chinese folklore, humor, and its distinct prose style heavily affected by classical Chinese literature make it a satisfying and thought-provoking read for anybody interested in exploring the abundant cultural heritage and literary customs of ancient China.
Kai Lung's Golden Hours
Kai Lung's Golden Hours is a follow-up to The Wallet of Kai Lung, and is a collection of humorous stories narrated by the fictional Chinese storyteller, Kai Lung.
Author: Ernest Bramah
Ernest Bramah, British author of the popular Kai Lung & Max Carrados series. Delve into his quotes, early life, and literary career.
More about Ernest Bramah