Abstract
Zhang Xuecheng introduced the idea that “classical prose doesn't derive from history, just like food doesn't come from crops” in his General Interpretations of Literature and History (Wenshi Tongyi). Within the realm of “classical prose”, narrative prose holds significance importance and finds its origins in historical events, particularly those chronicled in Spring and Autumn Annuals. These events have contributed to the establishment of the tradition of prose through the lens of the Four Treasures. Zhang's concept of “classical prose derived from history” is further evident in his practice of classical prose criticism. He incorporates historical examples to enhance the nature of narrative genres, such as biography and epitaph, while also offering critiques of the limitations imposed by societal taboos and disingenuous language. In essence, the idea of “classical prose derived from history” aligns with Zhang Xuecheng's theoretical framework, which aimed to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the Four Treasures, claiming that the “Six Arts” in the Warring State era and after. It should be noted that there exists a fundamental distinction between the positioning of “history” in the context of the Six Arts in the Warring States era and the viewing of “history” as the governing principles reflected in the notion of “Six Classics as works on governance”.
Keywords
“classical prose”; narrative prose; criticism of classical prose; “Six Classics as works on governance”
First Page
172
Last Page
181
Recommended Citation
Fu, Xu. 2024. "A Probe into Zhang Xuecheng's Concept of “Classical Prose Derived from History”." Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art 43, (4): pp.172-181. https://tsla.researchcommons.org/journal/vol43/iss4/18
