Likely inspired by early Chinese literature featuring heroines known as nüxia, the story has received adaptations in popular media, for instance in the wuxia film A Touch of Zen (1971).

[3] However, Giles' translation is heavily abridged, omitting mention of Gu's homosexual relationship with the fox spirit as well as the second half of the story in which the lady gives birth and avenges her father's death.

[5] Pu was evidently influenced by Tang nüxia stories; Karl S. Y. Yao suggests that Pu's main source was "Guren Qi" (賈人妻),[6] whereas Roland Altenburger argues that "the most likely point of reference" for "Xianü" was "Cui Shensi" (崔慎思), given the "greatest number of common elements" that both stories share.

[8] Karl Yao observes that the eponymous heroine acts based on bao (報) or requital; for example, her affair with Gu is not sexually motivated; she only wishes to repay him for his kindness.

[10] Sidney Sondergard suggests that "Xianü" is a "cautionary lesson": "Gu's initial impulse to be a filial son and care for his mother was subverted by his lustful infatuation with the fox.

"[13] Furthermore, while Pu's short story is devoid of historical or political references, King Hu invites the viewer to consider "the place of women within Buddhist and martial culture".