A cultural interpretation of the world's two most tragic dramas: Romeo and Juliet and The Flower Princess
by Fu-Lai Tony Yu; Diana S. Kwan
International Journal of Pluralism and Economics Education (IJPEE), Vol. 15, No. 1, 2024

Abstract: This paper highlights cultural differences between Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare's celebrated play, and The Flower Princess, the most well-known Cantonese opera in Hong Kong and South China. We shall argue that Romeo and Juliet reflects Anglo-American culture which is based on individualism, Christianity, and the liberal order. The Flower Princess reflects Chinese culture which is embedded in collectivism, familism, and Confucianism. For the Chinese, emperor and family come first. Chinese offspring are required to comply with authoritative rules and social norms when pursuing their future. The dramatic effects between the two plays are compared and highlighted in cultural terms. This paper illustrates multidisciplinary materials for research and pedagogy covering not only the social sciences but also the humanities disciplines such as literature, opera, fiction, and arts.

Online publication date: Tue, 01-Oct-2024

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