六、阅读与回答问题
Known as one of China’s four great folk tales, Legend of the White Snake has changed over time across different dynasties, with its cultural importance still living on today.
“In the earliest versions of the Legend of the White Snake, the snake spirit was shown as an evil creature to warn people about the dangers of giving in to their desires (欲望),” said Wang Yong’en, a professor from the Communication University of China.
During the Ming Dynasty, in the work Jing Shi Tong Yan (Stories to Caution the World), writer Feng Menglong gave the snake demon (妖) more feelings. The story is about Xu Xian, a handsome man, and Bai Niangzi, a snake demon who marries him. But the monk Fa Hai puts an end to their peaceful life by tricking Xu into cheating Bai. “When the snake demon is caught, she looks into Xu’s eyes with sadness and surprise,” said Wang.
Today, new technology and ways of storytelling have added new layers (层次) to the tale, making it connect with modern values. One example is Tsui Hark’s 1993 film Green Snake, which shows Fa Hai as more human, showing his struggles and challenging old ideas of what is right and wrong.
Beijing-based Light Chaser Animation’s White Snake franchise (系列) is popular with younger audiences. The story is told in a fun and light way, which critics (评论家) say makes it easier for younger viewers to connect with.
By sharing popular films like these with people around the world, China’s rich stories and traditional culture are becoming more well-known around the world.
51. What was the snake spirit like in the earliest versions of the Legend of the White Snake?
It was shown as an evil creature (to warn people about the dangers of giving in to their desires).
52. How did Feng Menglong change the snake demon in his work Jing Shi Tong Yan?
By giving the snake demon more feelings.
53. How did Tsui Hark show modern values in his 1993 film Green Snake?
The film shows Fa Hai as more human, showing his struggles and challenging old ideas of what is right and wrong.
54. Why is Light Chaser Animation’s White Snake franchise popular with younger viewers?
The story is told in a fun and light way.
55. What is the same in all versions of the Legend of the White Snake? (请自拟一句话作答)
The main characters./The cultural importance of the story./China’s traditional culture. (言之有理即可)
