Welcome to Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art,

Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art

• Issue in Focus: The Centenary of the May Fourth Movement Literature • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The Extremely Sensitive Believer of "Love In the Human World": the Discovery and Shaping of Zhu Ziqing's "Sensibility of the Human World" During the Period of "Literature for Men"

Zhang Xianfei   

  1. He'nan University
  • Online:2019-05-25 Published:2019-06-28
  • About author:Zhang Xianfei, Doctor of Literature, is a professor in He'nan University. His main research area is the study of ideological trend of modern and contemporary Chinese literature, and May Fourth Literature.
  • Supported by:
    This paper is a stageachievement of the project of National Social Science Fund (17BZW019), the Major Project of National Social Science Fund(18ZDA201), the Innovation Team Project of Philosophy and Social Sciences in Henan University (2019CXTD015).

Abstract: A new wave of exploration and shaping of modern Chinese experience starts with the "Preliminary New Literature" which serves the ideological transformation of modern humanistic society reconstruction during the May Fourth period. As a representative writer during the period of "Preliminary New Literature" (or "Literature for Men"), Zhu Ziqing, with a strong belief in modern humanitarianism, begins to express his genuine and unique life experience and feelings. His sentiments include not only sincere brotherly love but also the keen insight into individual's existence as a living being, and most remarkably, the "New People's" sadness, helplessness and indignation over the disregard of the ideal of "Love in the Human World" during the May Fourth period. Zhu Ziqing's extraordinary sensitivity and extremely intense emotional reaction shown in expressing his life experience, with his characteristic "astonishing susceptibility" in the spirit and style of writing make him the most representative among writers in the period of "literature for men."

Key words: Zhu Ziqing, Preliminary New Literature, "love in the human world", Sensibility of the human world, literature for men