To Discuss The Literature Theory From Jiajing To Wanli

This paper discussed the literature development and tendency in Ming dynasty, especially in the late Ming dynasty, through studies on one concrete and special literature theory in this historical period. "Restoration" and "innovation" were the two main literature current of thoughts at that time. Carrying on thorough analysis on these two literature thoughts, though standing opposite in appearance, this paper suggested their inner uniformity and interaction. Meanwhile, it probed the causation and potential reasons of literature initiation and upsurge in the late Ming dynasty, as well as the regulation of literature development within conflicts and compromises.This paper was divided into four parts. The first part summarized the common historical and cultural background between literature "restoration" and "innovation", and unearthed history cultural factors of their interaction. The second part, mainly from the inner part of the "restoration" system, discussed its heritage and breakthrough, and the changes at that time. Meanwhile, it also discussed the similarities from the changes between the "restoration" spirit and the innovative fashion. The third part specialized to the history meaning of the "restoration" theory, and establish its theoretical function, and suggested the spiritual agreement between "restoration" and "innovation". The last part, mainly from the extra parts of the "restoration" system, analyzed the representative theoretician in the "innovation" period, and exposed the absorption and reflection between their theories and the "restoration" ideas.