Ying-Ying Analysis

I am not in agreement with the complier's opinion on the Story of Ying-ying when stating "Both lovers are acting roles that never quite fit them". I do see both error and fault within the role played by Chang. However, I think that Ying-ying's role suited her perfectly in all aspects. Ying-ying was a virtuous and beautiful young women that derived from a prominent lineage. Although, Chang was a easy route to a socially acceptable marriage, Ying-ying chose to express her free will and disapproval of Chang the very first time they met. Ying-ying was rightfully skeptical and critical in response to Chang's poem because she was unsure of his intentions. She did not want to feel as if her love was a payment of debt, in exchange of him saving her family from rioting soldiers. Ying-ying was only seventeen, which means she was more than likely inexperienced with men. Her immaturity

I thought of having a servant convey my disapproval, but feared she would not get it right. Then I thought of writing a short message to state my case, but was afraid it would only put you on guard" (Yuan Chen, 985). After harshly scolding Chang, Ying-ying suddenly grew to understand his true nature and even mourned his departure.

A love story that greatly compares to that of "The Story of Ying-ying" is "La Vita Nuova" translated by A. S. Kline. La Vita Nuova is a story based on the love and life of Dante Alighieri and Beatrice Portinari. Both women are described in detail to be ravishingly compelling to the eye. In the Story of Ying-ying it states "She appeared, wearing an everyday dress and no makeup on her smooth face, except for a remaining spot of rouge. Her hair coils straggled down to touch her eyebrows. Her beauty was so extraordinary, so radiant it took the breath away" (984) and in La Vita Nuvoa it states "She appeared dressed in noblest colour, restrained and pure, in crimson, tied and