History of Literature in the Yuan Dynasty

Author: Deng Shaoji
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-06-01
Features: The literature of the Yuan Dynasty has two fundamental characteristics: First, the division between popular and classical literature that became apparent during the Song Dynasty continued to develop. Second, new developments emerged within the traditional field of classical literature, such as poetry and prose. Among these two fundamental characteristics, the first is particularly important. The emergence, perfection, and flourishing of Yuan Dynasty opera as popular literature not only laid the foundation for the performing arts of classical Chinese opera but also, in practice, achieved a status equal to traditional literary forms like poetry, prose, and essays. To a great extent, it represents the achievements of Yuan Dynasty literature.