On the Common Traits of Poetry and Prose in the Qing Dynasty's Imperial Examination

Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art ›› 2023, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (5) : 62-71.

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Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art ›› 2023, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (5) : 62-71.
Ancient Literary Theory and Theoretical Study of Ancient Literature

On the Common Traits of Poetry and Prose in the Qing Dynasty's Imperial Examination

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Abstract

The Imperial Examinations in the Qing Dynasty encompassed two primary components: the Eight-part Essay and examination poems.. While they exhibited distinct styles and forms, they shared significant commonalities including the interplay between constancy and variation within deductive themes, an emphasis on formal symmetry, and a structural approach involving “opening, development, change and conclusion”. These shared characteristics, initially rooted in broader literary and poetic practice, became solidified, reinforced and at times mechanized. Regrettably, these commonalities were erroneously disregarded as being exclusive to either the Eight-Part Essay method or examination poems. In reality, they posses universal value and significance necessitating a fresh examination and reevaluation within the context of ancient literature and literary criticism.

Key words

Eight-Part Essay / examination poems / internal mechanism / revaluation of values / history of literary criticism

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On the Common Traits of Poetry and Prose in the Qing Dynasty's Imperial Examination[J]. Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art, 2023, 43(5): 62-71

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Funding

National Social Sciences Foundation Post-funded Project (18FZW031), and Yunnan Province Youth Reserve Talent Project of Academic and Technical Leaders (202305AC160013).
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