Social and Literary Function of the Gift Exchange Narrative in Jin Ping Mei

Abstract:Gift exchange is necessary to maintain guanxi, a ubiquitous system of social networks in China, which has drawn little academic attention in Chinese literary criticism. The narrative of gift exchange for guanxi permeates Jin Ping Mei. Through gift exchange, the central character, Ximen Qing, achieved his fortune and success. This article sets out to discuss the social and literary function of gift exchange narratives in terms of plot and characterization from the perspective of guanxi. It argues that the necessary asymmetry in gift exchange, as a part of guanxi, propels narrative development, creates suspense that arouses the reader's curiosity, and leads narrative coherence. Without direct psychologizing of characters' minds, the narrative of gift exchange offers glimpses into the inner worlds of the characters by combining an instrumental purpose and sentimental means.