A History of Chinese Literary Theory in the 20th Century. Volume 1 of Part 2

Author: Xin Xiaozheng, Jin Dacheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-03-01
Features: In summary, the trend of pursuing lofty ideals in Qing Dynasty literature, on the surface, appeared as arrogance, suppressing philosophy and textual research with literary skills to elevate the social status of "literary scholars." Ultimately, it aimed to restore the unity of the literary world, the scholarly circle, and Confucian learning, reviving the ideal of the "original Confucian" personality. This trend intensified in the late Qing period, intertwining with the "spirit of enlightenment." Even scholars like Zhang Taiyan and Liu Shipei, who were exposed to Western culture in time, could not escape this trend. Both Zhang and Liu's writings combined historical and philosophical themes, adhering to the old path of comprehensive learning. Therefore, when Liu Shipei wrote "On the Changes in Modern Literature," he may not have been unaware that the division between the literary world, the scholarly circle, and Confucian learning was a result of differentiated social functions and the advancement of specialization. However, he insisted on the principle that "two things cannot coexist," attributing the decline of modern literature to the flourishing of "practical learning." He believed that "the clarity of practical learning is most prominent in modern times, so the decline of literature is also most prominent in modern times." The severe consequence of this was the division of the literary world, the scholarly circle, and Confucian learning into "parts that cannot be united." Similarly, when Zhang Taiyan wrote "A Brief Discussion on Literature," he may not have been unaware of the changes in politics and customs since modern times, which required adaptation through change. However, he opposed literary independence, demanded that literary studies be guided by Confucian classics, and leaned toward a kind of "comprehensive scholar."