Chapter Ⅰ Contexts 1.Profile of Gao Lian 2.Historical Background Chapter Ⅱ Cultural Components of the Drama 1.Cultural Elements in Creating the Drama 2.Religious Meanings 3.Family and Marriage Values 4.The Imperial Examination System in Ancient China Chapter Ⅲ Aspects of the Drama 1.Main Characters 2.Synopsis of the Plotline 3.pi (Tune) in The Jade Hairpin The Playscript with Annotations Kunqu Opera ABC Appendixes Back to the Elegance Traditions with The Jade Hairpin The Jade Hairpin, a String of Pearls Bibliography