Research on Jin Dynasty Literature

Author: Hu Chuanzhi
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2000-05-01
Features: Since the 1980s, comprehensive research on Jin Dynasty literature has gradually taken shape, producing a number of high-quality and influential monographs. Many middle-aged and young scholars have emerged, playing a significant role. Hu Chuanzhi is one of the outstanding new talents who emerged during this period. The Jin Dynasty Literature Research before us can be said to be the crystallization of his ten years of hard work. The author's research initially began with the study of the Zhongzhou Collection, a comprehensive anthology of Jin Dynasty poems compiled by Yuan Haowen. This is undoubtedly a very correct approach. Because this book is the only surviving anthology of Jin Dynasty poems compiled by Jin people, it is the most direct and "level" historical material for understanding Jin Dynasty literature today. It also reflects, to some extent, the literary and historical thoughts of Yuan Haowen, regarded as a "literary master of his generation." Starting with this, he achieved a dual purpose, laying a solid foundation for future comprehensive research. He used this as a breakthrough point and gradually expanded the scope of his research, combining documentary studies with macro-level, cultural, and aesthetic research, ultimately establishing a basic framework for his Jin Dynasty literature research. Jin Dynasty Literature Research consists of five chapters, covering roughly three aspects: macro-level research, author studies, and documentary research. The structure of the book reflects the author's meticulous effort to refine his theoretical system, focusing on his recent achievements and level, marking a new starting point for him in this academic field. Like other disciplines, the study of ancient Chinese literature also largely employs two methods: rational speculation and empirical verification. Moreover, they should complement each other in practice and cannot be neglected. This book demonstrates the author's conscious approach to combining and balancing these two methods. The author's exploration of each specific issue not only reflects a down-to-earth academic style but also shows good insight and a pioneering spirit. For example, in discussing the characteristics of Jin Dynasty literature, past scholars had diverse opinions, with some viewing it merely as the echo of Northern Song Dynasty literature, while others overemphasized its unique individuality. By reviewing and analyzing a large amount of material, the author clarified the various conflicting views of previous scholars. The author believes that exploring the characteristics of Jin Dynasty literature should focus on what new elements it brought compared to previous dynasties. These "new elements" are the differences between Jin Dynasty literature and literature from previous dynasties, particularly the Chinese literature written by non-Han ethnic authors during the non-Han-ruled period and region, compared to Chinese literature written during the Han-ruled period and region. These differences are not limited to text and style but also manifest in other ways. From this starting point, he explored aspects such as the northward shift of the literary center from Central Plains, the rise of ethnic minority writers, the emergence of heroic scholars in the late Jin Dynasty, and the literary individuality under political opposition. When discussing the feature of a large number of heroic scholars emerging in the late Jin Dynasty, he referenced Yuan Haowen's Biography of Xianxian Gong and the poem After Writing the Zhongzhou Collection to define the connotation of the term "heroic." He argued that it not only refers to outstanding talent but also encompasses a sense of boldness and free spirit. He pointed out that the heroic spirit was not prominent in the early and middle periods of Jin Dynasty literature, but "when the Zhengyou period saw the southward migration, the Heshuo region was in turmoil, and heroic scholars rose" (borrowing from Yuan Haowen's Biography of Qianhu Qiaogong). He cited a large number of figures such as Li Chunfu, Lei Yuan, Zhang Yu, Yan Changyan, Gao Yong, Wang Ruoxu, Peng Yue, Wang Quan, Zhou Siming, Yuan Haowen, Xin Yuan, Li Fen, and Wang Wo to support this view. He further analyzed and evaluated this phenomenon at a theoretical level, arguing that the heroic scholars in the late Jin Dynasty avoided the common faults of late-generation literature in other dynasties. Their outwardly-oriented, resilient personalities possessed the strength to rebound and resist, allowing late Jin literature to discard the melancholic laments of a lost nation, "women's poetry," and the narrow and constrained ailments of the Jianghu and Siling schools in the late Southern Song Dynasty. Instead, it presented a general style of rugged melancholy, bold and spirited, and heroic strength. The heroic scholars not only reinforced the masculine spirit of Jin Dynasty literature but also added vitality to the depressed late-generation literature, significantly influencing the aesthetic forms of Yuan poetry and Yuan drama. Their historical significance and status should not be overlooked. When elaborating and proving each of his arguments, the author cites abundant and detailed historical materials, delving into issues with meticulous depth. His conclusions are cautious and precise, convincing and demonstrating great insight and penetration into historical phenomena. In many aspects, the author has proposed new insights different from those of previous scholars. For example, regarding the connection between Jin and Song Dynasty literature, even scholars who emphasized the continuity of Jin from Song were superficial and lacked detailed exploration. Hu Chuanzhi, focusing on this topic, addressed many unresolved issues by examining specific historical facts. He specifically investigated the origins and development of the phenomenon of "the prosperity of Su's learning in the north," discussed the influence of Northern Song Dynasty ci poetry tradition on the early Jin Dynasty ci poetry scene and the impact of early Jin ci poetry on the Southern Song Dynasty ci poetry scene, clarified the development of the heroic ci poetry school from Su Shi to Cai Songnian to Xin Qiji in the history of two Song Dynasties and the Jin Dynasty, and corrected many misunderstandings of previous scholars in many aspects. Generally, the academic community has either ignored or denied Cai Songnian as an intermediary figure between Su Shi and Xin Qiji. It can be said that this prejudice was only clarified with the publication of Hu Chuanzhi's research findings.