ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a reflection on Chinese literature at the beginning of the 20th century, prompted by an examination of the nonfiction works written by Shen Congwen. It analyzes in chronological order writings by Shen that shed light on the driving ideas behind his thought and describes the Chinese literary scene. The chapter discusses the most interesting part of Shen’s literary writings is that which deals with strictly literary issues concerning a writer’s training, style, and language, and the topics and goals of literature. Shen’s interest in humankind and in human life led him to write on humanity’s spiritual life, dreams, and soul-searching. Shen focused on stylistic experimentation and often tackled the issue of creating a new literary language. Shen felt that in order to write literary works, a writer had to develop a writing technique. Shen dedicated great energy to creating a new literature and a new poetic language.
