Preface Foreword Overview Introduction Chapter 1 The Historical Relationship between Ancient Chinese Novels and Poetry 1.1 Taking Texts out of Context— From History to Novels 1.2 Heroes and Beauties：The Influence of Poetry on Novels Chapter 2 The Use of Poetry in Ancient Chinese Novel Creation 2.1 「Old Liu's Appetite Rivals a Cow's」：Comedic Effects of Poetry 2.2 「The Mighty Yangtze Flows Eastward」：Philosophical Discourse 2.3 How Could Emperor Yang of Sui Compose「Songs on the Lake：Viewing Scenery South of the River」 2.4 Scholar Zhang's Moonlit Rendezvous in the Western Chamber 2.5 Expressing Affection through Poetry：Who Truly Cares 2.6 Poetry Competitions for Seeking the Ideal Son-in-Law Chapter 3 The Functions of Poetry in Ancient Chinese Novels 3.1 The Subtle Influence of Poetry：Capturing the Essence in 「Rhapsody on the Wind」 3.2 Hilarious Poems Depicting Ugly Characters 3.3 Poems Depicting Landscape in Ancient Chinese Novels 3.4 Evaluating Characters』 Deeds and Misdeeds through Poetry 3.5 Fu Expressing Bachelors』 and Bachelorettes』 Hidden Pains 3.6 Songs Unveiling the Heart of Talents and Beauties Chapter 4 Creating Stories from Poems— Analysis of Poetry's Impact on Novel Creation（PartⅠ） 4.1 Gaining Favor and Opportunities through Poetry 4.2 Reuniting with Loved Ones through Poetry 4.3 Resolving Suspense through Poetry 4.4 Blunders and Missteps Blamed on Poetry Chapter 5「Daytime Encounter with Ghosts」— Analysis of Poetry's Impact on Novel Creation（PartⅡ） 5.1 Poems Celebrating Bold Romance：Blooms in the Garden of Desire 5.2 Xi Shi Endures as a Timeless Literary Theme Cherished by Generations of Literati 5.3 Unraveling Poetry in Novels：The「Dragon-Headed Flute」 Theme in Eight Challenging Verses 5.4 Two Poems Condemning the Matchmaker：The Fruitless Quest for Equality by Talented Women Chapter 6 Case Study：The Impact of Poetic Utilization in Ancient Chinese Novels 6.1 The Chinese Poetic Essence in Japanese Novels 6.2 The Impact of Classical Poetry on Qiong Yao's Romantic Fiction 6.3 「The Embroidered Mandarin Ducks Desiring to Fly in Pairs」：An Idealistic Vision 6.4 Seeking Truth：What Does Love Truly Mean 6.5 Innovating Poetry Chapter Titles with ci Poetry 6.6 Unveiling Creativity through Folk Songs and Rhymes References Extended Reading List Afterword Addendum
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