Author: Li, Shujing

Annotation: This paper examines the evolution of the formal conventions of policy essays in the imperial examinations during the Ming Dynasty, with particular emphasis on changes in the introductory and policy-proposal sections. It traces the development of these conventions across the palace examinations, metropolitan examinations, and provincial examinations. The study explores how these conventions shaped candidates’ political expression and sense of identity, and how the increasing emphasis on praising the emperor transformed established writing conventions into forms of political ritual.

Keywords: Ming Dynasty; imperial examination policy essays; formal conventions; praise of the emperor; ritual functions; palace examination; metropolitan examination; provincial examination; imperial examination preparation manuals; Yiye Jingjue (《肄业精诀》).

Pages in journal: 106 - 107