Construction of Ci Studies Thought in Late Qing and Early Republic

Author: Yang Baling
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: The term "Late Qing and Early Republican" in this study refers to the period starting from the renewed flourishing of Ci poetry during the Qianlong and Jiaqing reigns of the Qing Dynasty and generally ending with the May Fourth Movement. However, based on the needs of the research topic and the development of Ci poetry thought, it often extends to the 1930s. This period of Ci poetry thought possesses unique characteristics and historical significance. It not only represents a brilliant moment in traditional Ci poetry theory but also retains traces of its transition to modern Ci poetry. Therefore, a focused interpretation of this period's Ci poetry thought is highly meaningful. This study, based on extensive research and a wide range of materials, attempts to identify the units of Ci poetry thought. These units should be relatively complete and independent, allowing for an examination of the individual and era-specific features within this period's Ci poetry thought, aligned with the awareness level of the Ci poets at the time. By interpreting and combining these relatively independent units, the overall Ci poetry thought of this period will be comprehensively observed. The research will be guided by historical materialist dialectics and adhere to the academic mindset of "reflection, dialectics, integration, and innovation," closely focusing on the uniqueness of the research subject. It will approach the study from multiple perspectives, including history, geography, aesthetics, art theory, and cultural studies, ensuring that key points are emphasized, difficulties are overcome, and the local and the whole are harmonized. The goal is to construct a comprehensive model of Late Qing and Early Republican Ci poetry thought as we currently understand it.
In the "General Introduction," the historical and temporal continuity and transformation of Ci poetry thought are traced, providing a holistic examination of this period's thought and attempting to establish the spatiotemporal coordinates of the research subject.
The "Upper Part" follows the logic of art theory systems, compiling discussions by Ci poets of relevant themes concerning Ci poets, the Ci form, and artistic issues of the Ci form, revealing their shared Ci poetry concepts.
The "Lower Part" follows the historical logic of the development of art thought, sequentially selecting distinctive concepts of renowned Ci poets of this period.