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Title:
Icaros-Type Male Characters and Trans-East Asian Transformation Patterns in Chinese Classical Narratives
Abstract:
The myth of Icaros, who flies too close to the sun with wings and falls to his death, symbolizes universal human passion and tragic catastrophe, transcending cultural boundaries between East and West. This study explores the archetype of the Icaros-type male character within Chinese classical narratives, drawing parallels to the character types found in Western literature based on the Icaros myth. The Icaros myth introduces several motifs that have evolved in various literary works over time. The first motif is the conflict and disconnection between father and son. The second is the portrayal of Icaros as someone striving to overcome human limitations, often bringing about his downfall, or as an individual seeking freedom beyond those limits. The third motif involves the debate over whether Icaros's actions can be seen as an escape from isolation and oppression. The fourth is the representation of Icaros as a male figure driven by an uncontrollable desire for love. The fifth explores whether Icaros’s rebellion and fall can be interpreted as a reflection of human attitudes towards art. Lastly, there is the question of how Icaros's desire to reach an unattainable goal relates to his ultimate demise. Building on these motifs, this paper identifies the core elements of the Icaros myth as follows: First, there is the conflict and separation from the established order, typically represented by the father. Second, like Icaros trapped in the labyrinth, there is the development of a situation characterized by isolation and confinement within certain boundaries. Third, similar to Daedalus and Icaros, the narrative often includes a quest for a solution that transcends ordinary imagination, achieved through personal ingenuity. Fourth, the inevitable destruction of Icaros as a result of this pursuit, which brings about an aesthetically tragic conclusion. This study focuses on Jinpingmei(The Golden Lotus, 金甁梅)’s "Xiwen-Qing( 西門慶) as a representative example of Chinese classical narratives that feature Icaros-type male characters. In Xiwen-Qing, the protagonist achieves significant commercial and political success, yet his father plays no substantial role in his achievements. Although Xiwen-Qing does not explicitly conflict with his father, the absence of paternal influence is evident in his life choices. In Jinpingmei’s narrative, Xiwen engages in impersonal and immoral behavior with women, gaining confidence through these actions, which ultimately lead to his demise due to his obsession with sexual desires. Similarly, Hongloumeng(The Dream of Red Mansion, 紅樓夢)'s “Jia Baoyu(賈寶玉) reflects an Icaros-type character who experiences a disconnection from his father and meets a tragic end due to his obsession with affection. This study further examines Icaros-type male characters in adapted works, such as Japanese novel "Behind The White Tower(白い巨塔)", which have been adapted into dramas in Japan and Korea, and Korean drama writer Park Kyung-soo's "The Chaser," "Empire of Gold," and "The Whirlwind". By analyzing these adaptations, the study aims to highlight the enduring appeal of Icaros-type male characters among East Asian audiences and to provide insights into the cultural phenomena underlying their timeless resonance.
