The Relationship Between Close Friendship And The Development Of Literature In The Mid-Tang

The literary friendships among literati could not only increase their friendship but also be a rich source of inspiration for literary creativity.The process of discussing and learning from each other often promoted the formation of literary groups.Literati groups in the mid-Tang which led by Yuan Zhen,Bai Juyi,Han Yu,Meng Jiao,Liu Zongyuan and Liu Yuxi started from the communication activities during the period of attending the literary examinations,entering the establishment of successive governors,and entering official positions.The literary friendships among literati also promoted the formation of literary theory.Literati could convey and exchange thoughts and perceptions about literature in the process of communication.In this process,the fragmentation of thinking were merged and enriched into theories.The literary theories of the group around Han Yu and the group around Bai Juyi were gradually taking shape in their communication.In the composition in the context of a group,the style of the individual and the style of the group would influence each other.Literati who had formed a stable style would had an influence on the literati who had not yet formed a personal style.The latter would consciously move closer to the former in learning and borrowing.As a result,the group could form a similar style.The unique style of its literary works could attract more literati to study,thereby affecting their style of writing.The literary friendships among literati could help reach the characteristic form of literary styles.Firstly,literati’s exchanges of literature often showed a preference for a certain style,for distance,Han Yu and Meng Jiao liked the lianju poems while Yuan Zhen and Bai Juyi prefering long and short rhythms,etc.The large number of exchanges of literature could make this style to be well-developed in the mid-Tang.Secondly,literati worked together to reform certain styles,for distance,Han Yu and Liu Zongyuan co-advocated ‘ancient-style prose’,Yuan Zhen and Bai Juyi co-advocated the new Yuefu as well as the reform of documentary material,which also made various styles in the Mid-Tang show a new look.Literati helped to the preservation and dissemination of their friends’ masterpieces because they cherished the works left by their friends.Many writers’ works were eventually preserved and disseminated through the sorting of their friends and young writers once around them.