Han Dynasty The New Theory Of Aesthetic Value

Fu, as a special form in Chinese ancient literature, like poem and prose, has a very long history. It is originated with poem writers and grows through the development of Chu Ci. Flourished in Han Dynasty, it becomes the most representative lit- erature style at that time which also has far-reaching influence on literature in later times. But researches on Han Fu are far fewer that those on poem and prose. Comments and criticism on the value on Han Fu has been controversial and till present day it is negated as inflexible, rigid and fancy-phrase-dotted. Where does the true value of Han Fu lie? While leaving out traditional criticism of being fable-prone and persuasive, this paper is to analyze the aesthetic value of HanFu.The paper consists of three parts. The introduction is a brief retrospect on comments and judgments on Han Fu by scholars of different historical stages and an analysis of the criteria of these judgments. The paper points out that, negative or positive the judgments may be, the criteria are unanimous, that is the ethics of Confucianism. The criteria display strong social consciousness of scholars, but when applied to judgment of literature works, it seems to be unjustified.The second part analyzes the deep aesthetic connotation through the presentation of the consciousness for universe. Universe consciousness is one of the cores in Chinese culture. This paper edges in with source of universe consciousness of Han dynasty, and analyzes the outstanding status of "human being" in the conception. Han Fu breaks though the tradition of expressing one's ideals and ambitions as in poems and songs. Objective nature is given independent significance and becomes aesthetic object in full sense. What is more, the ambition to conquer the world of nature is presented throughout of pieces of Han fu.The last part is an analysis of the grandness-orientation in aesthetics. First comes the examination of philosophical and political factors that broods the features of regarding grandness as beauty. Second is a survey on the realization of the features in aspects of structure and objects to describe. Finally the paper expounds on aesthetic values formedunder the guideline of being grand is beauty.Han Fu, regarded as "literature of an era", represents an important aspect of the heights of arts in Han dynasty. In Chinese literature, composers of Fu are the first to pursue consciously splendor. Admittedly it bears weaknesses, but Fu is full of obvious characteristics of time, lofty aspirations to conquer the universe and shows the pursuit for beauty in art forms. This is why the author approve the aesthetic values of Han Fu.