Welcome to Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art,

Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art ›› 2016, Vol. 36 ›› Issue (5): 61-70.

• Modern and Contemporary Literary Theory and Criticism • Previous Articles     Next Articles

A Critique of the Three Approaches to Studying Liang Qichao's Aesthetic Thoughts

Mo Xianwu   

  1. the School of Chinese Language and Literature, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University (Nanjing 211171, China)
  • Online:2016-09-25 Published:2017-09-30
  • About author:Mo Xianwu, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the School of Chinese Language and Literature, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University (Nanjing 211171, China). His main research interest is contemporary Chinese literary theory and aesthetics.

Abstract: There are three academic approaches to Liang Qichao's aesthetic thoughts: political criticism of Cai Shangsi around 1949, enlightenment criticism of Li Zehou in the new period, and aesthetic criticism of Jin Ya in this century. In spite of their varying attitudes towards politics, they all endorse the division of politics and aesthetics. The difference is that political criticism sees aesthetics attached to politics, enlightenment criticism distances aesthetics from politics, and aesthetic criticism sets aesthetics against politics. In fact, the relationship between politics and aesthetics is not merely one of separation or antithesis, but also one of consistency in terms of the envisioning of a better life. Liang Qichao's aesthetic thoughts are based on the fusion of politics and aesthetics. The approaches based on politics-aesthetics division cannot do justice to the unique nature of Liang Qichao’s political aesthetics.

Key words: Liang Qichao, political criticism, enlightenment criticism, aesthetic criticism, political aesthetics