Modern Chinese Literature

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses Liang Qichao's writing style that stemmed from his conviction that literature should be accessible to any literate person. The paper discusses how Lu Xun and Yu Dafu's writings reflected Chinese political developments. The paper explores these ideas that inspired the educated, but points out that these beliefs were soon to be forcibly put to rest with the Communist takeover of China.

From the Paper:

"Between 1930 and 1937, Chinese literature developed as a modern profession, mainly in the sophisticated atmosphere of coastal China, incorporating Western thought towards new styles. There was much use of the vernacular languages and appeals to a wider range of readers with what became known as the Liang Qichao style involved the grammar and vocabulary of the old, in a mix of literary and modern spoken forms. (McDougall & Louie, p.16) Liang Qichao was inspired by Japanese efforts to embrace Western technology and knowledge as seen during his time as a student in Japan and his literary work often called for 'good government' as something the Chinese could have if borrowing institutions and values. Looked at a century later, the reader spots the faith in a new system for China that would bring about what was needed. One also sees a man, undoubtedly like most of those he knew, both informed about but very cut off from the lived reality of more ordinary Chinese."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Denton, K. Modern Chinese Literary Thought. Chapters I, II. in Course Materials.
• McDougall & Louie. The Literature of China in the 20th Century, 1-30 in Course Materials

More papers on Modern Chinese Literature:

• Analytical Essay # 144641 : "Time and Place in Modern Chinese Literature"
• Analytical Essay # 131328 : "Modern Chinese Literature"
• Term Paper # 130077 : "Two Chinese Literature Questions"

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