Theory of Momentum (Special Research on Ancient Chinese Literature Theory)

Author: Di Huining
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-03-01
Features: The concept of "qi" () has existed in Chinese literary theory for thousands of years. As early as the pre-Qin period, "qi" appeared as a philosophical concept in numerous classics, initially referring to the primordial substance of the material world. Later, "qi" entered the realm of the spiritual, signifying human spiritual strength. During the Wei and Jin periods, Cao Pi proposed the idea that "literature is governed by qi," pioneering the use of "qi" to discuss literature and it richer aesthetic significance. Subsequently, countless scholars, writers, and poets in the long history of Chinese literary theory have pushed forward and propelled the trend of discussing literature with qi, guiding the theory of "qi" through a winding journey from "qi" to "literary qi" (), then to "qi-shi" (), and ultimately to the integration of "qi" and "shi" (). In the process of this lengthy theoretical exploration and practical creation, the discussions on "qi" by various scholars have often been vague, abstract, and even confined to the realm of style and form. This book cites a vast amount of literary theory materials, including specific works, to systematically organize and explore fundamental issues of the "qi" theory from aspects such as essence, characteristics, types, and cultural spirit. It clarifies and perfects the theory, further uncovering its theoretical value and practical significance.