Shakespeare In HU Shi’s Literary Thought

Hu Shi is a name that cannot be ignored in both Chinese Literature and Politics. The rays of Hu brightened the history of the May4th movement. The study on Hu is not only concerned of himself, but also May4th figures. Hu Shi was affected by the Western Literature, and he was wandering on the edge of the conflict between Chinese and Western thoughts. Shakespeare was the most famous author in Renaissance, and he set an example for the Western literature. From reading Shakespeare to promoting the translation of Shakespeare, Hu Shi pay much attention to Shakespeare, so explore the relationship between Hu and Shakespeare must be meaningful.The thesis will discuss the theme in three chapters. The first chapter discusses the relationship between Hu’s Elitism concept and his experience of reading and promoting the translation of Shakespeare. Hu Shi advocated the popularization and citizenization of literature during the New Culture Movement, but Elitism concept was the core. The thesis will discuss the Contradiction between Hu’s Elitism concept and Populism. The second chapter discusses Hu Shi’s transition from Shakespeare to Ibsen, the Social reformer. The recognition of Renaissance led to Hu’s recognition of Shakespeare. Hu Shi made effort to push the vernacular Chinese movement and the Chinese Renaissance forward through Shakespeare. Meanwhile, Hu Shi showed great interest on Shakespeare because of his passion on drama. Theory of evolution and Pragmatism led Hu to appreciate Ibsen, the Social reformer. The third chapter discusses Hu’s views of womanhood through Hu’s transition from the defense for Ophelia to the recognition of Nora. Hu Shi showed great sympathy on Chinese traditional women through Ophelia and he agreed on the spirit if tolerance. Hu Shi turned to promote Nora-style womanhood and emphasized on the liberation of women.