On Wang Youpu's Criticism on the Ancient-Style Prose and Its Value

Abstract

Abstract: Critical practice on the ancient-style prose is an important part of the literary activity of Tongcheng School in the Qing Dynasty, and due research attention should be paid for understanding their prose theory. Wang You-pu (1681-1760) was one key figure in developing the school's prose theory. As a disciple of Fang Bao, the founder of the school, Wang developed Fang's notion of yifa (meaning-method) by expanding on the relationship between meaning (yi) and method (fa). Wang You-pu had also combined Fang's notion of meaning-method with Jin Shengtan's (1608-61) literary critical practice and vision, which not only sharpened his perceptive and analytical capacities concerning the meaning and method and provided better perspectives for him to probe into the author's mentality and psychology but also enabled him to take on extra passion, distinct personality and exceptional literariness in his critical writing. Wang You-pu's prose criticism revealed much about the meaning-method in the works of Mencius and Records of the Grand Historian, which could help to deepen the understanding of the two books. His critical approach and practice are valuable for contemporary research in the classical studies and literary theory.

Key words: Wang Youpu, Tongcheng School, ancient-style prose criticism, academic value, methodological value

Yu Zukun. On Wang Youpu's Criticism on the Ancient-Style Prose and Its Value[J]. Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art, 2015, 35(2): 41-49.

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