Exploring the Folk Meanings of Online Fiction: A Case Study of Farming Novels

Lüyuan Wang

doi:10.63313/LLCS.9055

Authors

Lüyuan Wang School of Chinese Language and Literature, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63313/LLCS.9055

Keywords:

Farming novels, online fiction, motifs, culinary themes, emotional catharsis

Abstract

Unlike epic genres such as martial arts and fantasy, farming novels have become popular for their realistic depictions of everyday life. This study explores the folk meanings embedded in Chinese online farming novels, with an emphasis on their narrative structure, central motifs, and cultural values. Through motif analysis, this paper identifies two core themes: getting rich and finding love. Typically, narratives feature ordinary female protagonists overcoming hardships through wisdom and diligence to achieve happiness and prosperity. Labor and culinary themes play crucial roles, highlighting traditional virtues such as diligence and simplicity, while providing emotional comfort and psychological relief. Farming novels consistently follow a stable narrative pattern, offering emotional catharsis and moral reassurance by contrasting rural tranquility with modern urban pressures. Ultimately, farming novels reflect a shift toward realistic, grassroots storytelling in Chinese online fiction, resonating with contemporary desires for everyday success and domestic contentment. The study concludes by proposing avenues for innovating narrative motifs to sustain the genre’s appeal and relevance.

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