Surface Structure of Yingning Explained | Generated by AI
This question asks about the surface narrative structure (表层叙事结构) of the story “Yingning” (《婴宁》). Let me explain why C is correct and why D is not:
Key Concept: Surface vs. Deep Narrative
Surface narrative = the obvious plot that readers follow Deep/underlying narrative = the hidden truth beneath the surface
Analysis of Each Option
Option A: Yingning playing with flowers — giving flowers — planting flowers
- These are recurring motifs/symbols in the story
- Not the main plotline structure
Option B: Ghost mother raises fox-girl — teaches fox-girl — marries off fox-girl
- This is the DEEP/HIDDEN narrative
- The underlying truth that’s gradually revealed
- What’s really happening behind the scenes
Option C: Wang Zifu meets beautiful girl — searches for beautiful girl — marries beautiful girl ✓
- This is the SURFACE narrative
- What the reader experiences as the main plot
- The obvious storyline from the protagonist’s perspective
- Follows a classic romance structure: encounter → pursuit → union
Option D: Yingning laughs constantly — vows not to laugh again — laughs at appropriate times
- This traces Yingning’s character development
- A thematic arc, not the narrative structure
Why Your Answer (D) Was Incorrect
You confused character development/thematic progression with narrative structure.
- Narrative structure = the sequence of plot events
- Character arc = how a character changes
Option D describes how Yingning evolves emotionally, but the story’s framework is built around Wang Zifu’s journey (meeting, searching, marrying).
The Brilliance of This Story
As the explanation notes, the genius of “Yingning” is its dual-layered structure:
- What we see: A young man’s romantic quest (Option C)
- What’s actually happening: A ghost mother’s plan to secure her fox-daughter’s future (Option B)
This creates dramatic irony—the reader gradually realizes the supernatural truth while following the conventional romance plot.