Protest and Silence in the Peking University Manuscript Wang Ji 妄稽 (‘Ms. Baseless’)

Abstract

This article discusses the Western Han manuscript Wang Ji obtained by Peking University, which consists of a narrative poem relating the life of Wang Ji, a woman of utterly repulsive appearance, and her bitter conflicts with her husband Zhou Chun and his concubine Yu Shi. By delving into the complex socio-political landscape embodied in the text’s narrative structure, this article explores themes of marital conventions, gender roles and silence within the domestic sphere. The author argues that the Wang Ji poem is particularly notable for its portrayal of silence as a multifaceted tool of communication and resistance. The in-laws’ ignoring of Wang Ji’s protests against the acquisition of Yu Shi, as well as their inability to address Wang Ji’s violent abuse of the concubine, underscore the nuanced power dynamics at play within early Han society. This analysis not only sheds light on the contradictions between gender conventions and the lived realities of the time but also on the influence women wielded in navigating these complexities. Attempting to contribute to our understanding of early Han society, this article offers insights into the intersection of legal, social and personal spheres through a singular narrative. It highlights the enduring human struggle for autonomy and respect within the constraints of societal and familial expectations, providing a rich narrative for exploring the intricate balance between conformity and resistance.