The author traces the
evolution of the images of spirits in Chinese
literature.The development can be divided into three
stages: from the pre-Qin period to the Tang dynasty; from the Song to the Yuan dynasty; and a climax reached during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The general trend was for the types of spirit images to gradually increase in number, the spirits became more and more powerful, and their transformations were from simple to complex. At the same time, they assumed a more human form and thus had greater social significance. With skilful artistry the writers produced many interesting and lively spirit images with different personalities, adding to the treasury of
literature and art in China. The proliferation of spirit images in Chinese literature grew out of the Chinese culture of the supernatural, the two major religions of Buddhism and Taoism, national animist psyche and the writers' exploration of fantasy. The spirit images have unique aesthetic value and artistic and educational functions.