Abstract
During the “Great Ritual Controversy” of the early Jiajing reign (15221566), the new elite faction used classical resources to address contemporary issues that aligned with the emperor's preferences. This strategy influenced the themes and styles of contemporary literature. Praise for human feelings and filial piety, as well as the prevalence of poetry under imperial order, showed the influence of the “Great Ritual Controversy” on literature. As a lingering effect, the style of the eight-legged essay during the Wanli reign also shifted from one of peace and placidity to one of sharp severity. This suggests that by returning to the historical context, an examination of the motives, features, and strategic choices in literary change — amid the collision of literature with political, ideological, cultural, and traditional factors — may stimulate more creative topics of inquiry.
Keywords
classical and contemporary times, Ouyang Xiu, filial piety, overelaborate style, poetry on imperial command
First Page
135
Last Page
145
Recommended Citation
An, Jiaqi. . "The Strategy of the New Elite Faction in the “Great Ritual Controversy” and Its Influence on Poetry and Prose Writing of the Jiajing Reign." Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art 45, (4): pp.135-145. https://tsla.researchcommons.org/journal/vol45/iss4/13
