ABSTRACT

Different from previous researches weighted toward historical description and individual writer and work, this book establishes a general analytical system and a multi-angled methodology to examine Chinese literature.

In ancient China, there was no definite concept of pure literature. Considering both modern ideas of literature and the corresponding traditional concept, this book broadly discusses Shi and Fu poetry, Ci poems and Qu verses, novels and essays. The four chapters deal with the origins, evolutions, structures and styles of the various genres respectively, analyzing some representative works. It's worth mentioning that the book is written from an individual perspective. Based on his own appreciation as a reader, the author expresses the depth of his various related impressions on Chinese literature. In addition, it conveys many fresh points of views, which will enrich and inspire related researches.

This book will appeal to scholars and students of Chinese literature and comparative literature. People who are interested in Chinese literature and Chinese culture will also benefit from this book.

part 1|102 pages

Shi and fu poetry

chapter 2|20 pages

The rise and fall of shi and fu poetry

chapter 3|18 pages

The peak of poetry

Tang poems

chapter 5|8 pages

The ebb tide of poetry

The Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties

part 2|55 pages

Ci poems and qu verses

chapter 7|21 pages

The rise and evolution of ci poetry

chapter 8|17 pages

Qu verses of the Yuan Dynasty

chapter 10|10 pages

The structure and style of ci and qu

part 3|42 pages

The novel

chapter 11|13 pages

The concept of the novel and its debut

chapter 12|11 pages

The impetus behind the novel

chapter 14|4 pages

The structure and style of the novel

part 4|28 pages

Essays

chapter 15|22 pages

The origin and evolution of the essay

chapter 16|4 pages

The structure and style of writings