忠义缘何在水浒?--李贽的豪杰观与《〈忠义水浒传〉序》之再解读

Why Does Loyalism Precisely Exist in Water Margin?--A reinterpretation of LI Zhi’s Heroic View and“The Preface to Loyal Heroes in Water Margin”

《〈忠义水浒传〉序》是《水浒传》主题解读中一篇极为重要的文字,然而关于该序深层内涵的解读尚难以让人完全满意。李贽眼中的豪杰往往有着强烈的入世情结、鲜明的侠之气概与超凡的能力要求,而水浒英雄恰好完美地符合了李贽心目中的豪杰标准。在万历二十年(1592)的历史背景下,李贽《〈忠义水浒传〉序》中对于梁山英雄的崇拜,不仅指向文学世界中的人物,还和张居正、梅国桢、林道乾这三个历史人物密切相关。李贽此文的写作目的是想通过对江湖之盗的高扬,来反衬朝廷能力之不足,进而曲折地表达一种对于朝廷用人的抨击与批判,并在其中表达李贽自我的人生寄寓。

“The Preface to Loyal Heroes Water Margin”is an important passage in thematic interpretations of Water Margin,yet the interpretation of the deeper connotations of the Preface is not yet fully satisfactory.According to LI Zhi’s opinion,a hero should get involved in society positively with distinct chivalrous spirits and extraordinary abilities,while heroes in Water Margin fit those requirements.In the historical context of around 20 years in Wanli period,LI Zhi’s admiration for Liangshan heroes in“The Preface to Loyal Heroes Water Margin”not only refers to characters in the literary world but also relates to three historical figures,ZHANG Ju-zheng,MEI Guo-zhen,and LIN Dao-qian.LI Zhi’s aim in writing the preface is to reflect the royal court’s deficient ability by praising these‘thieves’from all corners of the country,then indirectly expressing his criticism towards the employment mechanism of the royal court.Further,LI Zhi includes his spirits and life goals within the passage as well.