Modern Chinese Literary History To Stay In Europe And America And Students Studying In Japan Literary Concept Study (1900-1930)

The early 20th century in China's modern history witnessed a peak of studying abroad. Almost more than a half of all the writers in the history of modern Chinese literature have furthered their studies overseas in this period, in Europe or America or Japan. In that different environment, they received Western modern science and culture education that contrasted the traditional Chinese one. After returned, they devoted to the building of modern Chinese literature with enthusiasm. Their literary theories and creations contribute to the establishment, development and spread of Chinese modern literature. Due to geographical and social environment diversities, significant differences can be traced in literary theory, creation and criticism between overseas students in Europe and America and those in Japan. Based on the in-depth research, this dissertation aims to analyze the differences and similarities of the two group's literary viewpoint, as well as to explore the manipulative forces behind the phenomenon.Chapterâ… analyzes characteristics of the views of literature belonging to the overseas students studying in Europe and America. First of all, most of them insist on the independence and freedom of literature. They oppose that writings are to convey truth and safeguard the independent character and aesthetic features of literature; Secondly, they call for the freedom in creation and stress the importance of spiritual and emotional expression of individuals; As to literary criticism, they tend to focus on the value of literary works and promote the spirit of tolerance.Chapterâ…¡concerns characteristics of the views of literature belonging to the overseas students in Japan. Regarding literature as the reflection of a certain social life, they stress the class nature and social function of literature. In their point of view, authors should maintain a high degree of ideological agreement with the time, and pursue the "grand narrative". Therefore, aesthetic of the work is undermined in the either-or criticism.Chapterâ…¢sums up the similarities and commonalities between the two groups. In the first place, they can not escape from the influence of the traditional Chinese culture. In the second place, nationalism and patriotism are the complex they share in fighting side by side against internal and external enemies. Finally, some "infidels" exist in both the two groups, which is another similarity of them.Chapterâ…£explores the causes of the differences and similarities in the literary views of the two groups. Living in free and democratic Europe and America at the turn of the 20th century, these overseas students benefit from the modern literature movement, generous funds, guidance from the first-class teachers, and friendly people. They gradually develop academic interests and devote themselves to it. The overseas students in Japan, on the other hand, influenced by the proletarian literature movement at the end of 19th century, suffer a lot from the insults brought by the poverty and insufficient funds. Accordingly, they argue more radically. Nevertheless, as Chinese intellectuals absorbed in the spirit of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, they share the complex of nationalism and patriotism featured by self-improvement, a strong sense of mission and responsibility.Chapterâ…¤states the overseas students' contributions to Chinese modern literature. They play important role in the construction of new literature in terms of literary language, content and style. The overseas students in Europe and America, later members of 1920's Crescent Society and 1930's Beijing School, safeguard their free and independent views of literature. While overseas students in Japan, joining the League of left-wing writers in 1930, widen the influence of proletarian literature and make their views of literature the main stream in the 1930's.The last part of the dissertation gives a summary of the analysis above. The overseas students in Europe and America occupy the insignificant position in literature for their free and independent views of literature. Overseas students in Japan and the League of left-wing writers develop the radical and utilitarian literary views and even result in "Cultural Revolution". Since 1980s, such assertion as "literary subjectivity" and "literature is a study of people" restate the idea that human should be the concern of literature.