The Imagery of Cats in the Context of "Zizhi" and the Secret Bond between Politics and Gender: The Monitoring Mechanism and Gender Metaphor in the Reign of Wu Zetian

Abstract

Wu Zetian as a female dominator, the status of women had risen significantly during her reign. Not only that, her political approach is also distinctive. This study can be understood by examining the descriptions of Wu Zetian and cruel officials in books such as The Study on the Course of writing Tang Liu Dian as well as the viewpoints of the authors of the relevant documents, reveal that Wu Zetian made full use of the image of “the cat” to serve her politics. The cat became an important part of the symbolic system of the Wu Zhou Dynasty regime. It theory of Five Elements, The Commentary on the Great Cloud Sutra, was manifested in the monitoring mechanism, the legitimacy of the regime, and the process of power domestication. The viewpoint in these books and documents can be compared or corresponded with that of Sima Guang. When Sima Guang compiled ZIZHITONGJIAN, influenced by his political stance and historical background, he retained the record that Wu Zetian was afraid of cats but kept cats. It also elaborates on Wu Zetian’s appointment that “Enact policies by one's own decision; perceive clearly and judge wisely”, but overall, it is an opposition to female leaders. By studying the measures taken by Wu Zetian to consolidate her rule, the wisdom of female metaphorical governance is demonstrated.