Functional and Lyrical Ghost: A Comparative Study of the Narrative Modes of Supernatural Characters in Chinese and Western Drama

Abstract

Based on the knowledge of narratology and comparative literature theories, this paper mainly studies the narrative modes of the ghost characters in Shakespeare’s dramas and traditional Chinese Yuan Zaju. It addresses a research gap in cultural supernatural symbolism by comparing their roles in different works, including plot narration, religious standpoints, forms of existence, and narrative outcomes. The ghosts in Shakespeare's dramas mainly serve as the core of action and strengthen individual conflicts, while in Chinese Yuan Zaju, the “hundan” primarily acts as an emotional carrier and serves the reconciliation of collectivist ethics. Ghosts in Shakespeare’s plays primarily drive action and amplify internal conflict, and ghosts always reflect Renaissance individualism and Christian cosmology. Comparatively, “hundan”, as an emotional implement, upholds collectivist ethics, often ending with moral reshaping. The comparison underscores how different cultural values and religious ideologies can shape the presentation and purpose of ghost characters in theater. Ultimately, this research illustrates that some different ways in which supernatural characters both reveal and emphasize the ethical and narrative characteristics of their respective literary traditions.