Chapter Ⅰ Introduction 1
1．Two sources of the legendary snake 1
2．A cultural interpretation of snake-female correlation 4
Chapter Ⅱ Prototype of the Story 8
1．Four phases of development in plot and the character of the White Snake 9
2．The development of other major characters 27
Chapter Ⅲ Theatrical Performances of the Legend 44
1．Theatrical performances of Beijing and regional operas 46
2．Critiques of the theatrical performances 60
3．Stage performances of the Beijing opera of The White Snake drama 88
4．The proliferation of the Snake drama overseas 104
Chapter Ⅳ Terms and Historical Anecdotes of the Opera 110
Script of the Opera 119
Endnotes 194
Beijing Opera ABC 203
Works Consulted and Cited 254