Six Modern Chinese Critics

Author: Liu Fengjie
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-11-01
Features: The Six Modern Chinese Critics is an academic work in the form of critical history and theory, focusing on six influential and representative critics in the history of modern Chinese literature. Each critic is discussed in a separate chapter, yet the chapters are not simply a collection of unrelated critical studies. In terms of object selection, material use, structural planning, argument development, as well as research methods and perspectives, the book shows great originality and distinctive features. Although it only covers six critics, it touches upon many important theoretical issues in the history of modern literary criticism and addresses numerous long-standing debates and unresolved historical controversies regarding character evaluations. As a result, the task was highly challenging. The author spent approximately a full decade—from the initial publication of research papers to the completion of the manuscript. Truly, it can be said to be "ten years of sharpening a sword." The author states that he approached each deceased critic "with sympathy and understanding." Upon reviewing the entire book, one will find this statement to be true. This is not merely an empty declaration but a practical and significant academic principle that has been rigorously applied in the author's research practice. Here, both sympathy and understanding reflect respect for the research subjects: first and foremost, respect for their personalities, but also respect for their academic contributions. Thanks to this respect, researchers can analyze and judge based on the specific circumstances and cultural-historical environments in which each critic lived, carefully considering all relevant factors before arriving at objective conclusions. Taking the evaluation of Zhou Zuoren as an example. Since the 1980s, academia has begun to study him, and the research has gradually deepened, though there remains considerable controversy. From the book's arguments, it is evident that the author is well-versed in the relevant situations and issues and has his own approach—distinguishing between political and academic evaluations. For instance, regarding Zhou Zuoren during the May Fourth period, the author fully acknowledges the critic's historical contributions in promoting "literature of humanity" and advocating humanism, while also conducting an in-depth analysis of the dualistic factors embedded in his humanism from an academic perspective. As for Zhou Zuoren's later moral failings, the author has no intention of defending him, but academically, he avoids a blanket condemnation. Instead, he affirms what is right and refutes what is wrong, never discarding words lightly due to personal bias. Although some of his specific conclusions may not stand up to scrutiny, his constructive research attitude and methodology, which take into account the full person, are meaningful.