Thesis Title (in English) :Nezha in Chinese Animation:representation and Symbolic Interaction of Legends in the Context of Popular Media Culture.

Abstract

Nezha is a child god originating in Buddhist mythology, has undergone cross-media adaptation and has appeared many times in Chinese literature, film, and television.In 2019, the animated film "Nezha: The Devil Boy Comes to the World" achieved unprecedented success. The subversive image of Nezha in the film aroused widespread discussion in society, and the public began to pay attention to various Nezha animations.

This qualitative study using the animated image of Nezha as the text, using the concepts of cultural representation and symbolic interaction, and using content analysis method , document analysis method, and in-depth interview method to collect and analyze the film content, film review content, and Internet content of multiple Nezha animations, review relevant historical documents and materials, and conduct interviews with animation practitioners and audiences.

The objectives of the research : 1. To study the historical origin and animation adaptation history of the mythical character Nezha 2. To study the artistic image of Nezha in different media 3. Study the cultural representation of Nezha’s animated image 4. To study the symbolic interaction of Nezha’s animated image 5. To study animation cases "Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child".

The results of the study are as follows:

The legendary story of Nezha has undergone localization in China. After its image was finalized in the novel "The Romance of the Gods", it has been adapted many times in various media, especially animation media. Nezha plays an important role in the history of Chinese animation development,Reflects the appeal of legendary characters in popular media.

Nezha in popular media has undergone many transformations. Its external image innovated and developed while retaining the core visual symbols; Its inner image changed from divinity to human-god. It reflects the unfamiliarity of design, the diversification of appearance, and the roundness of character.

The animated image of Nezha is not only an art form, but also a cultural representation. Nezha inherits the national aesthetics and spirit and presents China's inherent traditional culture. Different cultural environments have shaped different Nezha, reflecting the changes in Chinese society. Nezha has become a bridge connecting tradition and modernity, individual and society.

The interaction between Nezha and the public spans physical and digital spaces. The creators have changed from early political consciousness to satisfying personal expression and audience expectations, and the audience has changed from passive to active. The two jointly shape and adjust the meaning of Nezha through the transmission of Nezha symbols.

The animation "Nezha: The Devil Boy Comes to the World" incorporates national cultural elements such as dialects and cultural relics, showing post-modern culture and values. The discussions triggered by the film reflect the current social status and emotional projection. Nezha gains new meaning through interaction and becomes a pop culture symbol.

In short, this article enriches the research on Nezha from the perspectives of art and sociology. It will be beneficial to understand the cultural significance of mythical characters, promote cultural inheritance and innovation, and deepen our understanding of Chinese social and cultural dynamics.

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