The Quest and Discourse of the Intellectual--Doctoral Library

Author: Huang Ke'an
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: Modern Chinese essays are one of the most important literary genres in 20th-century China. As the primary carrier for intellectuals to explore and articulate in specific historical contexts, they have a particularly close connection with the spiritual vicissitudes of Chinese intellectuals in the 20th century. Based on a wealth of primary sources, the author focuses on the idea of essays as an important mode of expression for modern Chinese intellectuals. First, the concept of "essay" is defined, followed by an analysis of the essence of modern essays as "social criticism" and "cultural criticism." Against the backdrop of the rise of the modern intellectual class, the author explains how modern Chinese essayists used essays as a means of expression, engaging in extensive "social criticism" and "cultural criticism" in the literary scene of the 20th century. Case studies of Lu Xun and Zhou Zuoren are conducted in depth, while the development of modern Chinese essays is also traced. Emphasizing the study of the artistic essence of modern essays, the author examines the thinking patterns of essayists and proposes that non-systematic, leisurely, witty, ironic, and humorous are five aesthetic characteristics of the artistic expression of modern Chinese essays. Finally, the author discusses the inheritance and innovation of modern Chinese essays in relation to both Chinese and foreign essay traditions, as well as summarizes the experiences and lessons of modern Chinese essays.