Outlaws of the Marsh

Outlaws of the Marsh

Outlaws of the Marsh is one of the Four Great Classics of Chinese literature, and one of the earliest long episodic novels written in vernacular Chinese. It was written by Shi Nai'an (1296–1370) during the late Yuan (1279-1368) and early Ming (1368-1644) dynasties, with later editing by Luo Guanzhong. The novel tells the story of 108 outlaws, led by Song Jiang, who gather at Mount Liang in the later years of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). Dissatisfied with the corruption of government officials they become rebels, fighting against the government until they are eventually granted amnesty.

The brilliance of Outlaws of the Marsh lies in its vivid portrayal of characters and its depiction of the lives of common people. The novel balances a bold and rough style with intricate and complex plotlines, a plethora of lively characters with distinct personalities, and expressive dialogue. The book succeeds in creating distinct characters such as Song Jiang, Lin Chong, Li Kui, Lu Zhishen, and Wu Song, and provides a profound reflection of the society during the Northern Song period. Outlaws of the Marsh and Romance of the three Kingdoms laid the foundations for the style of ancient Chinese long novels, and shaped the unique aesthetic psychology and appreciation habits of the Chinese people.

《水浒传》

《水浒传》是中国古典小说四大名著之一，也是中国历史上最早用白话文写成的长篇章回体小说之一。《水浒传》成书于元末明初，由施耐庵（1296—1370）著，罗贯中整理。小说讲述了北宋后期，山东梁山泊以宋江为首的一百零八名好汉，不满贪官污吏，爱打抱不平，先后被逼上梁山， 与腐化的朝廷抗争，最后接受招安的全过程。

《水浒传》的精彩之处在于人物刻画和市井生活的描写。小说故事豪放粗犷、情节曲折复杂，人物众多、形象生动、个性鲜明、对话传神，成功塑造了宋江、林冲、李逵、鲁智深、武松等鲜明的人物形象，深刻反映了北宋年间广阔的社会生活。《水浒传》和《三国演义》奠定了中国古代长篇小说的民族风格，塑造了中华民族特有的审美心理和鉴赏习惯。