Abstract: The middle and late Ming Dynasty was a golden age for the development of drama after the Jin and Yuan Dynasties. Drama was not only favored by the upper royal family andaristocrats, but also widely permeated into the daily life of the common people. Most of the existing research results focus on the structure of the drama repertoire, the existing items, the text of the drama, the evolution of drama, and so on. Through the interpretation, research and correction of the text, we can explore the artistic expression methods of drama and theemotions it expresses. The new social trend of the late Ming Dynasty, which was multifaceted, had an impact on the performance of dram, the market of drama texts, and social activities centering upon drama. What is indeed this impact? What changes had taken place in theaudience? What were the new changes? What changes had taken place in the value orientation of the literati? How were the contemporary social and cultural concepts influenced and constructed? All these issues require further consideration.

Key words: Ming Dynasty; drama studies; review; prospect