Chinese Literature in General (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Mao Qingqi, Guo Xiaomei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: The triple of Chinese literature research refers to the completion of the literary research process through understanding, appreciation, and analysis. Music is often performed by multiple people, whereas literary research, though drawing on others' achievements, is typically done by one individual. The term "triple" is used metaphorically. The medium of literature is language, and the recording of language is writing. Due to the long history of Chinese literature, literary works from ancient times to the modern era have been preserved in written form. Of course, not all written records are literary works, but literary works cannot exist without the language recorded in writing. Literary works possess a special effect that is appreciable, which is distinct from articles. After understanding an article, one can proceed to analysis; however, after understanding a literary work, one must also engage in appreciation (perhaps accompanied by appreciation even during the understanding phase) before reaching the stage of analysis. The difficulties in Chinese literature research lie in two aspects: first, the barrier of language and writing, and second, the distant background of the works. Therefore, understanding a work is not an easy task. While appreciating a work can be aided by existing annotations, research, or translations, the experience gained from personally searching for and comprehending a work is far more profound. Thus, appreciation must be linked to the foundational stage of understanding. This is one aspect. The other aspect is that one cannot remain at the appreciation stage, immersed in personal experiences of enjoying the work, but must rise to the stage of analysis.