In The Late Tang Dry The Ye Prose Study

This dissertation systematically explores the Ganye prose developmentconditions for the middle to late Tang Dynasty, based on the achievements of formerresearchers, specifically by inspecting the Ganye prose that were collected in "TheComplete Writings of Tang", as well as all kinds of Ganye materials that can be foundin the related history books and novels.The achievements of former researchers are investigated and their oversights areindicated, based on which the objectives and values of this dissertation are elaborated.By quantitatively and statistically analyzing the raw materials, it is found that thenumber of Ganye prose writers as well as writings at Middle to Late Tang Dynastysurpassed the beginning to glorious period, and the result of which has beencollectively collated in Appendix I. On the other hand, the massive Ganye recordsamong the notes, novels and historial materials have reflected the broadness andmultiplicity of Ganye. The scrutinization on former researches reveals that there existmistakes and omissions among the collections of Ganye prose and writer, and theemendations upon verification are tabulated in AppendixⅡ. While "Shu" being theprevailing format used during Middle Tang, "Qi" and "Zhuang" were mostly used atLate Tang instead. The general situations of distribution of Ganye prose writers areclearly depicted upon particular periods, by dividing the Middle to Late Tang into fourstages chronologically.Analysis on Ganye writings indicates that, on one hand, Ganye prose hasmanifested people's adamant spirit to politics, and it also paid attention to socialquestions and proposed the reformation plans, all of which has reflected thedevelopment of traditional values. On the other hand, the changes of objectives andmoods of Ganye are discovered by comparison and contrast. From Middle to LateTang, the pragmatization and materialization of goals, the introspection of writers, thelack of egotism and pride, and the soft manner shown in the Ganye prose, haveconstituted the mental features of Ganye prose.From the standpoint of inter-relation, the analysis on the relationship between the values and writing styles reflected the respect for pragmatic approach, whichconsequently drove the Ganye prose to head in a more actual, practical direction. Thecrave for materialism made Ganye prose flooded with flattery; Sentimentality becamean important quality, both of which are explained by statistical and analyticalevidences shown in typical images of the prose.The artistic development of Ganye prose has manifested in many ways. In termof formats and styles, most prose use casual sentence in Middle Tang, while most usedual sentence in Late Tang; Casual style prose got revival an Middle Tang because ofit's originality, while Dual style prose went to dry because of formalism after itsbrilliance. Ganye images have also changed from grandiose to weak, which conveyeda feeling of miserable and negative. Various new images has arisen during the sameperiod of time. Lastly, the ways of argument include logical reasoning and statementinterspersed with comment, resembling by fable and story, as well as bringing thestart of argument through natural or social phenomenon and historical allusion.