Research On "Su" Category Of Chinese Ancient Literary Theory

The category is the node of network on the literary criticism,which plays a very important role in Chinese criticism.The construction of aesthetic category system can not only gather together those literary critical terms which are scattered in the ancient literature classics,but also explore the aesthetic meaning and cultural connotation of subcategories."Su" occupies a relatively minor position in the ancient Chinese literature and art category system.However,there is no denying that “Su” produces a profound impact on Chinese people in their philosophical thinking pattern,personality pursuit and aesthetic orientation.At present,the researches of "Su" in academia are very miscellaneous.Despite some prominent research achievements,the researches of “Su” have not been seriously investigated in breadth.On the basis of voluminous ancient books as reference,this paper probes into the meaning of "Su" and explores its cultural implication.The original meaning of "Su" is white cloth.And later,with no color defilement or other decoration,it is extended in meaning such as "quality","authenticity","nature" and so on.In terms of its cultural connotation,"Su" indicates distinctive ethical and political implications with “Su” as the etiquette and moral in ethnics and with “Su” as methods to solve current problems and guidelines to behave oneself in politics,for example.In the course of historical evolution,the characteristics of our age are imparted into "Su",showing different levels of meaning.In the pre-Qin era,the meaning of "Su",with its strong philosophical implication,epitomizes the rational thinking of "quality" and the essence exploration of "Tao".At the same time,the meaning of the personality pursuit and the aesthetic purport of "Su" has sprouted.In the Wei,Jin and southern and Northern Dynasties,"Su" is employed to highlight the personality and self-cultivation by the people of the time,which takes on the obvious meaning of the pursuit of personality.Since the Wei and Jin Dynasties,the aesthetic connotation of "Su" has matured and has been incorporated into people's daily life and art creation,which is reflected in the aesthetic dialectic between "Su" and "decoration".The personality spirit and the aesthetic purport of "Su" fit Chinese moral and literary view that “the style is the man”,thus it leaves a significant imprint on ancient Chinese literature.First,"Su" specifies the personality norm of creation subject;second,"Su" conducts literature creation method;third,"Su" exerts influence on literary works;finally,"Su" enhances aesthetic appreciation of literary works."Su",together with "Pu","Dan","Qing" and other categories shares a lot of similarities and also has great differences in some aspects.Through the comparison of the above categories,the essential and aesthetic characteristics of "Su" can be collected.The cultural connotation of "Su" is identified by Chinese people since it has deep connection with Chinese national character,cultural psychology and value orientation;nevertheless,due to the limitations of its own meaning and the coverage of other categories,it is not well-known in the literary activities.Although "Su" category is relatively insignificant compared with other categories,it does have an impact on Chinese people in observing methods,life pursuit and aesthetic experiences.In today's society,"Su" is also referential to our spirit,mentality and life.