Analysis of the Tragic Figure of An Lingrong in the Chinese Palace Drama Empresses in the Palace

Abstract

   As one of the most tragic figures in the palace drama Empresses in the Palace, An Lingrong's tragic fate profoundly reveals the complex survival dilemmas faced by women within the feudal imperial system. This study takes An Lingrong’s tragic figure of An Lingrong as its focal point and innovatively applies both Aristotle’s and Hegel’s theories of tragedy to analyze the roots of her tragic fate from both personal and socio-political perspectives. The analysis begins with an examination of An Lingrong’s family background, physical appearance and talents, and personality development to explore the individual factors contributing to her tragedy. It then traces her tragic trajectory—from initial insecurity and dependence upon entering the palace, to her growing extremity driven by sensitivity and jealousy, and ultimately to her abandonment and self-destruction.

   The study argues that An Lingrong’s downfall stems not only from personal flaws—such as low self-esteem, hypersensitivity, jealousy, and cruelty—but also from external forces, including the oppressive nature of the feudal court system, the brutality of palace power struggles, and the rigid expectations and constraints placed upon women in traditional society. Her tragedy represents not merely the collapse of an individual fate, but also serves as a microcosm of the collective plight of women under feudal patriarchal rule.