Speaking to the erotological fiction, people would often refer to Rou Pu Tuan. Besides Jin Ping Mei, Rou Pu Tuan is also frequently mentioned by people when it comes to the classic in those sexual stories. The book was even translated to many different languages in other countries. However, according to the prosperous publishing business during the Ming and Cing dynasties, Rou Pu Tuan is obviously not the only erotological fiction that had been published during those years. Why the Rou Pu Tuan can become such a famous erotological fiction? People would definitely curious about it. Therefore, my research is mainly focused on the Rou Pu Tuan itself. First step, I summarize the whole story. I also make a brief introduction to illustrate the dissemination and editions of Rou Pu Tuan. Moreover, I mention the background about the author and the time that Rou Pu Tuan had been written. Second step, I analyze male and female characters and discuss the power from both genders in the story. Finally, I try to find out the subjects of the whole story. According to my observation, the attraction of Rou Pu Tuan is based on its exquisite characterization and subjects that emphasize by some narrative way. This fiction does improve its value by giving different images and personalities to every role, but its main power is still possessed by the male. Retributive justice and appropriate sex are the subjects of the story. The story emphasized the subjects by using the coincidences that based on daily life, corresponding clues and the illustration from active narrator. Therefore, exquisite characterization and unique narrative for subjects are the factors that make Rou Pu Tuan a famous erotological fiction.

As the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) collapsed, two outstanding novels were authored, Supplement to the Journey to the West (Hsi-yu Pu) and Prayer Mat of Flesh (Jou P'u T'uan). Although modern critics have studied these two works, important aspects of each novel have been overlooked. Therefore, this study explores three elements of Jou P'u T'uan: the novel as a picaresque novel, the hero's character consistency, and the book's morality. Also examined are the Ch'an Buddhist aspects present in Hsi-yu Pu. Information on the authors, editions, and controversies of these novels has also been presented. An initial chapter is provided discussing the historical and intellectual background. Finally, a comparative study of the two authors and their works has been undertaken to further understanding of both novels. Thus, it is hoped that this work has made a valuable contribution to the study of these two novels.