| "Tragic" or "tragedy" is one of the important concepts in western aesthetics, whereas there is not such a concept like "tragedy" in Chinese classical literature and art, especially in Chinese classical aesthetics. According to Chinese culture and literary creation tradition, the concept of aesthetic appreciation for "melancholy beauty" finds full demonstration in Chinese classical literary creation theory and practices. Many outstanding literary and artistic works are created with the guidance of such aesthetic appreciation tendency. This culture-specific concept "melancholy beauty" conveyed in Chinese classical literary and artistic works cannot be explained and defined by the concept of tragedy in western aesthetics. In Chinese classical literature and art, the aesthetic appreciation for "melancholy beauty" has rich and profound cultural and historical connotations. It has close connections with social and cultural background, philosophical thoughts and psychology of the artists in particular historical period of times. The aesthetic appreciation for "melancholy beauty" has undertaken a long process from germination to maturity. Then it is adopted in the field of literary aesthetics. Thus it has far-reaching influences on Chinese classical literary and artistic creation. In this process, Wei and Jin Dynasties is the most important period of time, during which the concept has achieved foremost and adequate development.The present thesis puts emphasis on the study of this particular period of time?Wei and Jin Dynasties. The present author takes the concept of aesthetic appreciation for "melancholy beauty" as the subject of research. Through the detailed analysis of "melancholy beauty" complex of the literati and their literary works in that period of time, the present author tries to probe into the cultural and psychological roots of the aesthetic appreciation for "melancholy beauty" in Wei and Jin Dynasties.The present thesis consists of three chapters:Chapter one will introduce the development and connotations of the concept of aesthetic appreciation for "melancholy beauty". First of all, an historical overview will be made on the tradition of appreciation for melancholy beauty existed in social life from pre-Qin period to Wei and Jin Dynasties. More emphasis will be made on discussing the concrete reflections and application of this aesthetic appreciation in the literary theories and creation of this period of time. Moreover, the present author will elucidate the connotations of this concept respectively from perspectives of art ontology, creation andappreciation.In chapter two, the major forms of melancholy beauty in Wei and Jin Dynasties will be examined. The development of this concept is closely connected with the literary creation practice. In different stages of Wei and Jin Dynasties, the aesthetic appreciation for "melancholy beauty" in literary works took on different styles and features as follows: first, solemn and stirring beauty presented in Jian'an style; secondly, ambiguous and indignant beauty reflected in Jikang and Ruanji's literary works of melancholy beauty; thirdly, sadly moving beauty and flowery diction which is the main features of literary works of melancholy beauty in west Jin dynasty; fourthly, the beauty embodied in literati' indifference for worldly things. Although these forms are different in styles, they share a common subject-that is the sentiments for life and destiny.In chapter three, the present author will make a tentative probe into the cultural and psychological roots for the appreciation of "melancholy beauty" in Wei and Jin Dynasties. Having been awakened and realized the immensity, eternity and infinity of the universe and nature, the literati at that time was convinced of the inborn tragic destiny of human beings. Their appreciation for "melancholy beauty" is out of the strong feeling and deep sorrow by experiencing sadness of life; although their attempts and efforts for transcending destiny of life were doomed to be failed, it reflected their strong subj... |
