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Study on the Image of Zhuge Liang in Ming Dynasty Opera Adaptations of the Three Kingdoms



Author(s)

Ren Jie

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DOI:10.17265/2328-2177/2025.12.004

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long, Malaysia

Zhuge Liang was an eminent and universally known historical figure whose name is familiar to almost every household. He possessed exceptional talents in many areas and made significant contributions, particularly in politics, military affairs, and diplomacy. In historical records, Zhuge Liang was regarded as a statesman skilled in military administration rather than unconventional stratagems, and more proficient in civil governance than in battlefield command—an internal affairs expert described as “strong in pacifying the state and managing the army, but less given to extraordinary schemes, and better at governing the people than leading troops”. Among the general public, however, his image transformed into an almost deified and omniscient figure, one who could “make impeccable plans and even summon the wind and rain”. This contrast reflects the significant evolution of Zhuge Liang’s image. This dissertation focuses on the image of Zhuge Liang as portrayed in Ming Dynasty Three Kingdoms operas, analyzes the reasons for the transformation of his image, and attempts to offer modest supplementary insights based on previous research.

Ming Dynasty, Three Kingdoms opera, Zhuge Liang, image of Zhuge Liang