The paper deals with values expressed in Chinese fairy tales. We argue that folklore tales
make a heterogeneous variety of texts which can be represented in a genre field including prototype
and marginal communicative entities (the former includes magic heroes and artefacts whereas
the latter lacks them). Fairy tales as a genre are characterised by manifested edification which
can be expressed as a commentary to a tale content. Such a commentary to the narrative contains
an obligation indicator which is to be understood as a practical piece of advice to listeners concerning
their future life. Ethnographically, it is possible to contradistinguish universal and specific
features in fairy tales content. The former include typical scenarios of magical plot development
and typical human qualities which deserve praise or dispraise (love, heroism, gratitude, on the one
hand, and avarice, slyness and foolishness, on the other), the latter deal with peculiarities of local culture. Such peculiarities expressed in Chinese fairy tales focus on the aesthetic presentation of
the world, respect to parents and elderly people, the priority of collective will, as compared to the
individual benefit, and severe criticism of social injustice.
Gender stereotypes in Chinese fairy tales reflect the differentiation of masculine and feminine
behaviour as manifested in folklore texts. A man is depicted as a simple person who has to undergo
various trials, and after he becomes stronger and wiser whereas a woman as the main character
has some magic properties, she is beautiful and wise, but she actually does not change. A younger
brother is depicted in fairy tales analysed as a positive character whereas an elder brother is the
embodiment of prodigality, greed and envy. In the end, an elder brother is usually punished, and
the younger brother is awarded for his kind heart and modesty. Imperial officers and guards are
depicted in Chinese fairy tales as ruthless and entirely corrupted personalities, suggesting that
social hierarchy in ancient China was disregarding the life of ordinary people, and the justice
could be restored only by magic. It is interesting that an emperor may be either evil or neutral, but
his ministers and landlords are always wicked. Chinese fairy tales reflect values of everyday
peasant life in the country, focusing on hard labour, endurance, filial piety and optimism.
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