“The Tiger of Zhao Cheng (The Repentant Tiger)” is a story from Strange Tales from Liaozhai (Liaozhai Zhiyi), recounting a tale of filial piety, vengeance, and forgiveness. Set in Zhao Cheng, the story revolves around an elderly woman and her son.
Story Summary
The protagonist is an elderly woman living in Zhao Cheng, who relied solely on her only son for support. Tragically, her son was killed by a tiger. Grief-stricken, the old woman went to the county yamen to petition the magistrate for justice, hoping to punish the “murderer.” However, faced with such a situation, the magistrate initially felt greatly perplexed, as a tiger, not being human, could not be judged and punished according to conventional laws.
Nevertheless, moved by sympathy for the old woman’s plight and a respect for filial piety, the magistrate decided to attempt a unique resolution. He dispatched hunters to capture the tiger, and they eventually succeeded in bringing it before the yamen. Unexpectedly, the magistrate interrogated the tiger in an anthropomorphic manner, demanding it take responsibility for its actions. The tiger seemed to understand and nodded, signifying its willingness to accept punishment.
The plot then took a heartwarming turn: the tiger was not subjected to physical punishment but instead assumed the responsibility of caring for the old woman. Every day, it would bring prey in its mouth and leave it at her doorstep, ensuring she had sufficient food to sustain herself. Over time, the tiger once seen as a “murderer” became the old woman’s protector, forging a unique bond of kinship between them.
Allegorical Analysis
The Importance of Filial Piety:
The entire story begins with the old woman seeking justice from the authorities for her dead son. This reflects the core value of filial piety in traditional Chinese society – the sense of responsibility children owe their parents and the deep emotional dependence parents have on their children.
The Power of Forgiveness:
Although the tiger caused tragedy, it made amends through concrete actions, and the old woman chose to accept and forgive it. This transformation demonstrates how forgiveness can transcend hatred, opening the possibility for harmonious coexistence.
The Relationship Between Humans and Nature:
The interaction between the human and the animal in the story illustrates a potential bridge of understanding and communication that can exist between beings in the natural world. It suggests that even in the face of seemingly irreconcilable conflict, a path to peaceful coexistence can be found.
Social Compassion and Justice:
The magistrate’s attitude towards the case shows society’s concern and support for vulnerable groups (such as the bereaved elderly). It demonstrates that justice and compassion can find solutions even in extraordinary circumstances.
Moral Education:
Through this fantastical yet profoundly philosophical story, Strange Tales from Liaozhai (a Chinese Studio) conveys the values of traditional virtues such as benevolence and tolerance.
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