1. Theoretical Framework: Ontological Topology of Cracks and Abysses

1.1 Core Model Construction

Patriarchal society is modeled as a dual-layer spatial system:

• Surface layer: Orderly “land” symbolizing patriarchal authority
• Deep layer: Fractured “abyss” representing suppressed resistance

Female characters embody both reproductive attributes of “land” and destructive potential of “abyss”, with their bodies becoming battlegrounds for power struggles. This framework reveals how narratives manifest through spatial metaphors, as seen in Du Shiniang, where the Yangtze River serves as both physical setting and symbolic field for patriarchal fracture.

1.2 Key Concepts

• Crack Index: Quantifies patriarchal stability through economic control, discourse allocation, and violence monopoly
• Abyss Energy Level: Dynamic parameter measuring suppressed resistance potential, positively correlated with objectification degree
• Topological Transformation: Sudden identity shifts in characters (e.g., Du Shiniang’s evolution from commodity to avenger)

2. Case Study: Du Shiniang’s Objectification and Resistance

2.1 Three-Stage Objectification

1. Primary: Brothel owner’s price-tagging (economic capital conversion)
2. Secondary: Becoming Li Jia’s “love commodity” (emotional capital conversion)
3. Ultimate: Treasure chest as capitalized body extension (symbolic capital conversion)

This creates a nested capital structure: flesh (outer layer) → “love” packaging (middle layer) → financial value (core). Li Jia’s attempt to unpack this triggers abyss energy eruption.

2.2 Topological Interpretation of the Drowning

The suicidal act involves three spatial operations:

1. Vertical: Treasure chest cast from patriarchal vessel into abyssal waters
2. Horizontal: Shift from Guazhou Ferry (trading site) to Yangtze River (natural space)
3. Temporal: Transformation from ongoing betrayal to completed revenge

This spatial reconfiguration achieves topological inversion of patriarchal structure, converting the exploited “land-woman” complex into unpossessable abyssal energy.

2.3 Cross-Cultural Resonance with Gaia Myth

Element	Du Shiniang Narrative	Gaia Myth
Protagonist	Betrayed woman	Castrated mother god
Weapon	Treasure chest	Typhon monster
Revenge method	Self-destruction	Generating destroyer
Spatial result	River chaos	Continental fracture

This resonance confirms the universal “woman-abyss” model and reveals common oppression mechanisms across civilizations.

3. Extended Analysis: Huo Xiaoyu and Liu Yi Narratives

3.1 Huo Xiaoyu’s Dual Abysses

The Tale of Huo Xiaoyu presents complex topology:

• Surface abyss: Tragic abandonment due to class differences
• Deep abyss: Li Yi’s social ascent through marriage
• Crack generation: Yellow-Robed Guest disrupts topological equilibrium

The resulting narrative tension exceeds Du Shiniang, with revenge executed through symbolic death curse rather than physical destruction.

3.2 Modern Adaptation: Liu Yi Narrative

Contemporary reinterpretations show:

1. Objectification evolution: From treasure chest to property/education/social capital
2. Betrayal upgrade: From monetary temptation to value system alienation
3. Abyss energy boost: Modern women possess more resistance tools (legal/media/economic independence)

The core topology remains: when “rebound suitors” attempt to possess capital-appreciated “woman-land” complexes, abyssal retaliation mechanisms still activate.

4. Methodological Implications: Spatial Turn in Literary Studies

4.1 Critical Paradigm Innovation

Ontological topology offers third path beyond social critique/psychological analysis:

• Treats narratives as spatial practices
• Models power relations geometrically
• Reveals meaning through topological deformation

4.2 Interdisciplinary Applications

The framework extends to:

• Film studies: Camera movements and spatial politics
• Game research: Level design and power topology
• Digital humanities: Textual space visualization

Potential applications include network topology mapping of Dream of the Red Chamber power structures or 3D modeling of Oedipus Rex fate spaces.

5. Conclusion: Remapping Literary Power Structures

The “Crack-Abyss” model reveals hidden spatial politics in classics: female characters are not passive victims but active topological transformers. Their bodies serve as both objects of exploitation and weapons of resistance; their tragedies represent both oppression outcomes and order-reconstruction attempts.

Future research directions include:

1. Comparative analysis of abyss energy levels across civilizations
2. Impact of digital media on narrative topology
3. Spatial characteristics of AI-generated texts

Ontological topology demonstrates that literary studies can achieve theoretical breakthroughs through spatial metaphors, maintaining humanistic sensitivity while acquiring scientific rigor.