Welcome to Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art,

Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art ›› 2019, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (6): 118-127.

• Classical Literary Theory and Criticism • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The Selection of The Scholars in Chinese Textbooks and Homogenization in the Canonization Process during the Republic of China Period

Zhang Hongbo   

  1. the Department of Chinese Language and Literature of Sichuan International Studies University
  • Online:2019-11-25 Published:2020-03-20
  • About author:Zhang Hongbo, Ph. D., is an associate professor at the Department of Chinese Language and Literature of Sichuan International Studies University. His research interests include ancient Chinese novel and theatre.

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Abstract: Ancient novels such as The Scholars, The Travel Notes of Lao Can, and The Water Margin were frequently selected into Chinese textbooks for primary and secondary schools during the Republic of China period. Because The Scholars was closely related to the Vernacular Movement and catered to the taste of young students, it came to be the most frequently selected novel, and its excerpt, "The Childhood of Wang Mian," became the most frequently selected story. During the Republican period, Chinese textbooks were arranged in accordance with the theme, language, and era of each work, and editors tended to select similar rather than diversified passages fromThe Scholars. This phenomenon shared a close connection to the Republican period's selection of traditional cultural resources.

Key words: textbook, The Scholars, the factor of era