Discussion On Yuan Mei's Life Philosophy And Literary Ideas

Yuan Mei was an outstanding literator of Qing dynasty.He was born in 1716 ,and passed away in 1789.He was also named Mr Sui Yuan because he had been living in Sui Yuan at Xiao Gang mountain which lies to today's Nanjing from his resignation to death.Yuan Mei is most well known for his poems and poetry theory which is called Xing Ling ,and he was the chief member of the three most famous poets in Qian Long period. He was also very good at writing Chinese classical prose and Chinese classical short story. Xing Ling poetry theory had had a great influence upon the theory of Chinese classical poem and represents Yuan Mei's literary theory. And Yuan Mei's literary theory was affected directly by his philosophical thinkings.This paper is designed to expound Yuan Mei's major literary theory by analysing his philosophical thinkings. It consists of five parts:The first chapter gives an account of Yuan Mei's main life and his attitude about life. The second chapter expounds the Xing Ling poetry theory.The third chapter discusses his views on woman and advocation that woman should have the power of studing poem.The forth chapter discusses his points on private profit and explains his trade in culture work. The last part sums up Yuan Mei's social and historical position and value.