A New Interpretation of Hua Yue Heng Based on Wei Xiuren and His Related Figures

The interpretation of Hua Yue Hen has long been confined to the text itself, while the research about the author, the real life of related figures, and the social context is insufficient. Based upon the historical materials about Wei Xiuren’s life experiences and the social context in which the book was written, this paper aims to probe the gist of the novel and the author’s motive from a humanist perspective. Furthermore, a defense of the novel is included from some of its criticisms.