中国民间故事的文化思考 ：以巧媳妇故事类型为例 = Cultural considerations in Chinese folktales : a case study of the Qiao Xi Fu story type

中国巧媳妇故事乃是传统封建社会文化背景之产物。在宗法制社会中的妇女背负着实践“妇德”的责任，除了得顺从严苛的条规规范，还得服侍长辈、超持家务，位处卑下。于是，民间作品就成了一种慰藉，有助于她们逃脱现实的桎梏。中国民间故事对良好道德观的宣扬，和对重男轻女原则的否定，一并奠定了巧媳妇故事的脉络和语调：它将巧媳妇形象刻画成机智、善良、贞洁的，使其变成长辈、丈夫的智囊帮手，总有办法摆平刁难者；又揭露了家长对妇女的压制，针砭了歧视妇女的封建宗法势力代表。巧媳妇故事不仅能开启妇女的觉醒意识，还能让大众认识其才智，由此把妇女推上与男子平起平坐的位置。如此一来，巧媳妇故事可谓妇女争取权利与解放的一股力量，充分地体现了社会意义及思想艺术价值. Chinese folktales of the qiao xi fu (ingenious wife) story type are cultural products of China’s ancient feudal society. Being regarded lowly in the patriarchal clan system, women were obligated to conform to regimented rules and standards, on top of tending to family elders and fulfilling household duties. As the pressure of living up to “feminine virtues” weighed heavily upon them, folklores then became a source of solace in providing an escape from reality. At the core of Chinese folktales are the advocacy of positive moral values and the reproval of patriarchal principles, of which sets the basis for qiao xi fu stories. The oppression and discrimination women face from family elders and patriarchal representatives in reality are being brought to light through the portrayal of women as witty, kind and chaste characters who serve as the brains of the family and thus ingenious at triumphing over antagonists. As such, qiao xi fu stories are contributive to both the awakening of women and the revelation of female intelligence, thereby propelling women to be on equal footing with men. These stories can be viewed as a driving force to the empowerment and liberation of females, embodying social significance coupled with ideological and artistic values.Bachelor of Art