Welcome to Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art,

Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art ›› 2020, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (1): 18-26.

• Classical Literary Theory and Criticism • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Hong Mai's Experiences as Reflected in His Prefaces to Yijian Zhi

Zhan Dan   

  1. School of Humanities, Shanghai Normal University
  • Online:2020-01-25 Published:2020-03-19
  • About author:Zhan Dan, Ph. D., is a professor at School of Humanities, Shanghai Normal University. His research interest includes ancient Chinese novels.
  • Supported by:

    the National Social Sciences Fund (13BZW102)

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Abstract:

Hong Mai's prefaces to Yijian Zhi (Record of the Listener) are of great significance in ways that they not only help readers understand his conscious construction of novel theory but also enable him to develop strong vitality from the process of compilation. The interaction between the perspective of a historian and that of an allegorist reveals his life experiences and rational thinking during the process of compilation. The stories in Yinjian Zhi are legendary in nature, and so is the process of compilation as reflected in his series of prefaces. To a certain extent, this "double legendary nature" is a mirror of the social zeitgeist in Hong's time.

Key words: author's prefaces to Yijian Zhi, Hong Mai, life experiences, development of consciousness