Exploration Between Tradition and Modernity (A Study of Wu Yanren's Novels)

Author: Hu Quan Zhang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: The research approach of this book is to place Wu Jianren's novels within the specific historical context of the late Qing period's social and cultural transformation, studying them as a whole. First, it examines the unique social and cultural environment of late Qing Shanghai's concessions and Wu Jianren's social and cultural roles as a journalist and professional novelist, as well as his fervent social sentiments, providing necessary background knowledge for the study of Wu Jianren's novels. Subsequently, it analyzes the multi-layered thematic implications of Wu Jianren's novels from three levels: realistic critique, moral salvation, and utopian ideals. It delves into the underlying value foundations of the realistic critique themes, explores the specific connotations of traditional morality that guide his novel writing, and, through an examination of the utopian theme, which has not been sufficiently emphasized by previous researchers, strives to comprehensively, dimensionally, and objectively uncover the ideological depth embedded in Wu Jianren's novels. Finally, it conducts both vertical and horizontal analyses of his texts. In this way, we can achieve a historical positioning of Wu Jianren's novels, which are in a transitional state between tradition and modernity.