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The First Emperor Qin Shi Huang Analysis

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Shiji is considered to be a historical document, and marks the beginning of the proper Chinese historiography – it is a result of the effort of two generations to collect and compile the historical evidence from more than two millennia. However, it could also be viewed as a literary work, not merely a record of historical events. I would say that Sima Qian, as a writer, has his own unique style, and acts not only as a compiler of historical records, but also as a story-teller.
I thought that if Shiji can be seen as a literary work, then the historical figures described by the author can be seen as literary characters. If so, then how does Sima Qian create his characters, does he provide his own opinion, does he praise and criticize or does he remain impartial and merely delivers facts?
I decided to try to answer these questions by looking closer at how Sima Qian presented one of the most controversial figures in the Chinese history – the First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. In The Basic Annals of the First Emperor of the Qin Sima Qian gives a rather impartial and objective description of events that took place during Qin Shi Huang’s rule. There is no direct description of The First Emperor and the only way a reader could try to get to know him is either …show more content…

In the beginning of The Basic Annals of The First Emperor of the Qin Wei Liao, a man from Daliang, comes to Qin and is allowed to speak to the Emperor. After giving him advise on how to deal with the rulers of other states, and being treated very well by the king, he gives his opinion about the ruler (quote 1.) He recognizes Qin Shi Huang as a mighty ruler, but at the same time talks about his cruelty and ruthlessness. I would say that Wei Liao both fears The Emperor, who, almost like the Machiavellian Prince, disregards morality and ethics in order to achieve his goals, but also admires

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