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The purpose of this study is to prove that the metamorphosis of beasts in Tang Dynasty fiction was originally inherited from myths, totem, religion, etc. Later, it was influenced by the quizzical style of writing in Six Dynasties, as well as the fascinating creation of scholars. The special arrangement of various of narratives and artistic skills led to the independence of Tang Dynasty fiction. Besides, it became the initiation of descriptive literature of novels, dramas, folk tales and other narrative literature. This study can be divided into five sections. The first part is about the naming and contents of these metamorphic beasts’ stories. The second part is to categorize these stories as (1) metamorphosis of ghosts, (2) metamorphosis of allure, (3) metamorphosis of omens (4) metamorphosis of witchcraft, and (5) metamorphosis of karma. The third part will be discussing the causes of creating these stories. There were many factors which affected the metamorphosis of beasts in Tang Dynasty fiction. Myths of ancient China were full of rich imagination and confrontation of nature without fear. At that time, human beings wished to extend their life. Therefore, the way to exend life was to transform into different kinds of appearances. Animal totems, symbolized the deification and personification of animals. Some animals with special power were worshipped and endowed with religion by Chinese people. The idea of Chi in Taoism thoughts,transcending through aging and witchcraft could be seen in the metamorphosis of beasts in Tang Dynasty fiction. Thus, Taoism beliefs played an important role in these stories. In addition to that, karma,destiny, the concept that all men are created equal, recitation, release practices from Buddhism beliefs could be spotted. The confrontation and struggle between Taoism and Buddism was presented in these stories as well. Part four is about the art of writing about metamorphosis of beasts in Tang Dynasty fiction. It absorbed the nutrients of the historical and biographical of literature, and the art of poetic writing. Their works combined facts and fantasies. Writers used argumentative techniques to express their ideas and anger. Being works of imagination and fiction, narrative literature added to some diversity and humanity. The vivid characters were portrayed with rich colors, which depicted the character of figures and deepened their artistic image. The fifth part is the conclusion which sums up all the above analysis.
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