A Reaserch On The Reception Of Tsubouchi Shoyo In Western Literature

In the 1860s was the period of Meiji Restoration of Japan.Due to the strong pursuing of westernization,the Meiji Restoration had become a reform movement which goal is to achieve complete westernization and modernization,having the nature of the capitalism.Because of westernization of the fields such as politics,economy,and living,Japanese literature has been influenced by western literature and western thoughts also soon arrived in Japan,all sorts of western literature theory flowed into Japan.Especially in Meiji 14th,referring to Japan's recent political history,it is a year of big events;besides,on the view of literature history it is also particularly important.That is because Tsubouchi Shoyo started his lifetime dedication to literature reformation from here.This paper at first proceeds with the unique social background he located,then with the study of his adoption of western literary theory.This paper consists of five parts.In the introduction part,it first elaborates the purpose of this research and the significance of it.On that basis,the study of the work"Essence of Novel”in Japan,as well in China's domestic leading research is examined.In the body part,the first chapter analyzes the dramatic life of Tsubouchi Shoyo after growing up in Japanese traditional culture,and then accessing to the western literature.Then the brief carding of writing background,writing opportunity and the work outline of the modern novel theory monograph,"Essence of Novel".In the second chapter,(1)the literary form of novel,(2)the changes and the types of novel,(3)improvement of realism,(4)acceptance of criticism,(5)social relationships and ways of life,those adoption of western literary theory which appeared in "Essence of Novel"were investigated.After entered the period of Meiji,Japan literature,still retained the characteristics of the drama literature of Edo period,which were political novels focused on the propaganda of western and enlightenment of ritual customs."Essence of Novel",elaborates the idea of giving up the literary concept of promoting virtues and punishing evils in moralism and utilitarianism.The third chapter elaborates the concrete embodiments of western literary point of view in "Essence of Novel",expounds the examples of Walt Scott's poetic language,vivid description of details and Edward Liton's meticulous depiction of invisible moods of character.The fourth chapter examined the continuation of "Essence of Novel" from the inheriting of two aspects:practice and theory.From the above,it can be concluded that Tsubouchi Shoyo adopted western literary theory,and then formed his own unique Japanese view of literary theory.Then to obtain that the literary thought of him has a role in promoting the development of modern Japanese literature.Tsubouchi Shoyo opened the door of Japanese modern novels,had a huge impact on society at that time.His work "Essence of Novel" fully deserves the title of "the dawn bell of Meiji literature".