Twentieth Century "Zuo Zhuan" Research

“Zuo Zhuan” is China’s first narrative detailed chronicle style works. Since its’ born, thereare researchers in every age. Before the20th century, the research on it is basically limited in theatmosphere of study of Confucian Classics. However, early in the20th century, the study of“Zuo Zhuan” has presented new research themes and methods.In Introduction, this paper makes a brief overview of previous "Zuo Zhuan" study history,concentrating on the process of its transforming into the Confucian classics from a dependenthistorical record. Then explains the new characteristics of the study in the20th Century, whichare different from the traditional research, as well as introduces research significance andrelevant methods.The main part is divided into three stages according to the time order.The first stage is before the foundation of PRC, and the research priority is focused on theauthenticity of “Zuo Zhuan”. Instead of treating “Zuo Zhuan” as Confucian Classics, scholars ofthis time try to use history approaches. Influenced by the New Culture Movement, there appearsGushi Bian faction, which promotes transformation of “Zuo Zhuan” science from the study ofConfucian classics into historical research. Gushi Bian faction activates the academicatmosphere greatly, however, they can’t present sufficient evidence to deny the “authenticity” of“Zuo Zhuan”, therefore，they are refuted by many scholars.The second stage is from the foundation of PRC to the early1980s, and the research centerbegins to turn to literature research from history research. The characteristic of history researchis presented as combing and summarizing the achievement of the former stage. On themeanwhile, the literary value of “Zhuo Zhuan” is gradually paid more attention. The mostprominent phenomenon of this stage is the emergence of a number of scholars represented byTong Shuye, Yang Bojun and Qian Zhongshu, who produces essential works in their respectivefields. They integrate research production of the former stage, and pave the way to the furtherresearch of the next stage.The third stage is from the mid-1980s. The academic environment begins to release, and alarge number of papers is brought up. As historiography research continues, literature researchgradually takes the dominate place. The literature research on “Zhuo Zhuan” develops in acomprehensive way. Scholars study from different perspectives, reflecting specific and profoundcharacteristics. But at the same time, there appears the phenomenon of repeated research, whichshould be watched out for scholars. In conclusion, this paper summarizes the history and literature achievement of the20thcentury, and prospects “Zuo Zhuan” study direction in the new century.