Abstract
This article analyzes the significant transformation in Wang Guowei’s tragic ideats from unfortunate ending to conscious will. Influenced by the anthologies of Taoka Reiun and The World as Will and Idea (1883), Wang Guowei initially accepted Schopenhauerian theory and considered unfortunate ending as an absolute criterion and indispensable element for tragedy. After his contact with Friedrich Nietzsche’s theory, Wang Guowei gradually abandoned his previous understanding of will centering on blind desire, departing from his translation of Psychology (1902). Consequently, he considered the foundation for will no longer as desire, but as consciousness. This change has led Wang Guowei to the idea that the will of the hero is the highest criterion for tragedy.
Keywords
tragedy; Wang Guowei; ending; will
First Page
129
Last Page
138
Recommended Citation
Si, Wei. 2022. "From Unfortunate Ending to Conscious Will: The Transformation of Wang Guowei’s Tragic Ideas." Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art 42, (5): pp.129-138. https://tsla.researchcommons.org/journal/vol42/iss5/11
