The Interaction Between Genres and Its Significance for Literary History

Abstract

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.

Key words: genre system, interaction between genres, literary history

Zhang Zhongmou. The Interaction Between Genres and Its Significance for Literary History[J]. Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art, 2014, 34(3): 133-145.

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