The Scholars
Quick Summary
The Scholars (Rulin waishi) is the first Chinese satirical novel, written by Wu Jingzi around 1750. Wu Jingzi, born in 1701, came from a scholarly family but struggled academically and financially, failing to pass the higher official examinations. He experienced poverty and a life of drinking and carousing in Nanjing.1
The novel is semi-autobiographical and uses sharp satire to criticize the corrupt official practices and personalities Wu Jingzi observed throughout his life. It is considered a significant work in Chinese literature, offering a critical look at the scholarly and official world of his time.1
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