Welcome to Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art,

Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art ›› 2023, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (6): 91-101.

• Issue in Focus: Modern and Contemporary Literary Theory and Cultural Studies • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Chinese Neo-sensationalists' Reception and Transformation of Junichiro Tanizaki's Literary Works: A History of Reading Centering on Liu Naou's Diary

Gao Shimeng   

  • Online:2023-11-25 Published:2023-12-18
  • About author:Gao Shimeng, is a Postdoctoral Researcher at School of Chinese Language and literature, Beijing Normal University. Her research interests include modern Chinese literature and literary thought.

Abstract: The neo-sensationalist literary orientation of Shi Zhecun, Liu Naou and Mu Shiying basically took shape between 1926 and 1928, before they became the school known as “Chinese Neo-sensationalists”. In addition to overlapping literary interests, Liu Naou's reading tastes contributed to the shaping of other members' early literary views. Liu Naou's diary in 1927 and neo-sensationalist works show that aestheticism, especially Junichiro Tanizaki's literary works, connected their interests. The group's reception of Tanizaki's work was intertwined with personal aesthetics and social concerns; their motivation was generally outward rather than inward. The shared preference for Tanizaki not only unified Chinese Neo-sensationalists, but also shaped their creative direction and underlay the basic character of the group. However, due to the relatively restrained use of aestheticist and decadent elements, the Chinese Neo-sensationalists' reception of Tanizaki's literary works was also limited.

Key words: Chinese Neo-sensationalists, Liu Na'ou, aestheticism, Junichiro Tanizaki's literary works, history of reading