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Abstract

This thesis examines how race is represented in the fictional works of Jin Yong (aka Louis Cha; 1924-2018), one of the most prominent writers of martial arts fiction in the Sinophone world. The study focuses on four of his major novels: Demi-Gods Semi-Devils, The Legend of the Condor Heroes, The Return of the Condor Heroes, and The Heavenly Sword and Dragon Saber. The final edition of Jin Yong’s works, written between 2003 and 2005, are used as they represent the author’s most recent and refined narrative. Set in a fictional universe spanning from the Northern Song to the Yuan dynasty, Jin’s narratives give rise to two broad categories of race: the Han, which is depicted as a singular race, and the non-Han, which comprises diverse groups such as the Jurchen, Khitan, and Mongol. The Han-ruled territory, often referred to as the Central Plain, conveys both a celestial worldview and serves as the primary base of the martial arts world. By applying extensive textual analysis of dialogues, inner monologues, characterization, narrative settings and the narrator’s commentary, this study demonstrates that racial representation in Jin Yong’s fictions is complex, fluid, and inconsistent. The portrayals of characters and racial dynamics vary depending on community positions, personal experiences, and the author’s shifting narrative. While existing scholarship on Jin Yong covers a wide range of themes, the study on race remains limited and is often approached from a singular perspective. Therefore, this thesis sets to examine racial representation in Jin Yong’s fictions by offering a close reading of the selected texts. My aim is to explore the narratives that Jin creates for his characters and stakeholders, and to showcase the multi-faceted racial representation in Jin’s martial arts fictions.