Abstract
Ancient Chinese genre system is relatively self-contained, with each genre representing a unique function of expression. The uniqueness is both the condition and the reason for its existence, while the genres within the system co-exist and complement each other, configuring the spirit, psychology, character and temperament of the Chinese as a cultural nation. Chinese genre system has considerable stability during a certain period of literary development, and it may be claimed that the evolution of Chinese literature is that of literary genres. When a new influential genre wedges in the system, it brings about an ecological change of the system. This paper focuses on the following six forms of interaction between genres: the emergence of a brand new genre, the replacement of an old genre, the generational heritance of genres, symbiosis of different genres, hybrid genre from grafting, and cross-boundary criticism. Investigation into ancient Chinese genre system may provide a new point of departure for not only the periodization of genres but also the writing of Chinese literary history.
First Page
133
Last Page
145
Recommended Citation
Zhang, Zhongmou. 2014. "The Interaction Between Genres and Its Significance for Literary History." Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art 34, (3): pp.133-145. https://tsla.researchcommons.org/journal/vol34/iss3/12
