Wang Shizhen, But The Ming Lun "Strange Tales" Comments

This paper focuses on the differences between Wang Shi-zhen’s comments andDan Ming-lun’s comments on Liao Zhai Zhi Yi, which shows the evolution track ofnovel theory criticism in Qing Dynasty. Firstly, Wang and Dan had differentunderstanding about Liao Zhai Zhi Yi, so their comments show different styles.Secondly, they used different methods to give their comments so their comments havedifferent features. Thirdly, these two kinds of comments have different values andinfluences.Owing to the inheritance of poetic tradition, Wang Shi-zhen put less attention tonovel writing styles. In spite of its influence, his novel critique followed the way ofpoetry critics. In comparison, Dan Ming-lun managed the theory of ancient prose inhis literature comments of novels, which paid more attention to novel writing stylesand narrative techniques, and marked the awakening of novel theory criticism in lateQing Dynasty.