The Chinese examination has been known to be an extremely hard literary test of intellectual skill. Passing this examination allows one to obtain a position in the state bureaucracy. It consists of composing essays that will exhibit the intellectual potential of the applicant. Individuals who decide to take the examination go through multiple rounds of tests and the majority of applicants do not pass the exam. Based on the intensity of the examination and opinions on intellectuals, I argue that Wu Jingzi believes that the Chinese examination is a prime example of how intellectuals can lose their way because of this “fantasy world” that promotes a negative transformation of character. Through Wu Jingyi’s use of exaggerated reactions, he continues
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Wu Jingzi introduces a character named Butcher Hu, Fan Jin’s father-in-law. Wu Jingzi suggests through his writing that not only does the Chinese examination changes the individuals taking the examination, but the people around them as well. The portrayal of Butcher Hu exhibits the toxic nature that the Chinese examination encourages. For example, Butcher Hu, at first, goes on scolding Fan Jin, saying “Since I had the bad luck to marry my daughter to a scarecrow like you…., Heaven knows how much you have cost me” (CP 173/67). Butcher Hu makes it very clear that he believes Fan Jin as unworthy and a disgrace. He even goes far enough to say that Fan Jin is a source of bad luck. Wu Jingzi’s writing makes it very apparent that Butcher Hu does not approve of his son-in-law and can be described as an angry and bitter character. Then, Butcher Hu goes through a sudden transformation in which he now is very thankful for Fan Jin. Again, Butcher Hu exclaims, “Why should I go on killing pigs? My worthy son-in-law will be able to support me in style for the rest of my life….I have always been a good judge of character, I don’t mind telling you” (CP 180/81). Butcher Hu’s transformation is only because Fan Jin has passed the examination, allowing himself to suddenly become prosperous. Wu Jingzi uses this transformation as a perfect example of how the reward of passing changes how people act, and therefore, the Chinese examination is a system in which promotes greed and ego instead of intellectual
Wu Jingzi introduces a character named Butcher Hu, Fan Jin’s father-in-law. Wu Jingzi suggests through his writing that not only does the Chinese examination changes the individuals taking the examination, but the people around them as well. The portrayal of Butcher Hu exhibits the toxic nature that the Chinese examination encourages. For example, Butcher Hu, at first, goes on scolding Fan Jin, saying “Since I had the bad luck to marry my daughter to a scarecrow like you…., Heaven knows how much you have cost me” (CP 173/67). Butcher Hu makes it very clear that he believes Fan Jin as unworthy and a disgrace. He even goes far enough to say that Fan Jin is a source of bad luck. Wu Jingzi’s writing makes it very apparent that Butcher Hu does not approve of his son-in-law and can be described as an angry and bitter character. Then, Butcher Hu goes through a sudden transformation in which he now is very thankful for Fan Jin. Again, Butcher Hu exclaims, “Why should I go on killing pigs? My worthy son-in-law will be able to support me in style for the rest of my life….I have always been a good judge of character, I don’t mind telling you” (CP 180/81). Butcher Hu’s transformation is only because Fan Jin has passed the examination, allowing himself to suddenly become prosperous. Wu Jingzi uses this transformation as a perfect example of how the reward of passing changes how people act, and therefore, the Chinese examination is a system in which promotes greed and ego instead of intellectual