Zhiyan and Zhuangzi's Concept of Yan 

Liu Shugang

Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art ›› 2017, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (1) : 89-95.

PDF(4843 KB)
Welcome to Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art, Aug. 7, 2025
PDF(4843 KB)
Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art ›› 2017, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (1) : 89-95.
Classical Literary Theory and Criticism

Zhiyan and Zhuangzi's Concept of Yan 

  • Liu Shugang
Author information +
History +

Abstract

This paper investigates zhiyan ("the goblet words"), which is the most important of the three kinds of words Zhuangzi used. In Zhuangziyan ("words") refers to the speeches peoples make, or texts the scholars write, and also concepts hidden in peoples' behavior. Therefore, zhiyan is not only a special way of speaking or writing, but also suggests a special style of living, and it depends on the deconstruction of the self. Zhiyan is closely related to Zhuangzi's essential theories such as the equalities between all speeches and the transformation of things. Based on the consciousness of language that zhiyan implies, Zhuangzi creates some distinctive literary forms to express his thoughts.

Key words

Zhuangzi / zhiyan / the Transformation of Things

Cite this article

Download Citations
Liu Shugang. Zhiyan and Zhuangzi's Concept of Yan [J]. Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art, 2017, 37(1): 89-95
PDF(4843 KB)

886

Accesses

0

Citation

Detail

Sections
Recommended

/