Welcome to Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art,

Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art ›› 2016, Vol. 36 ›› Issue (2): 173-183.

• Aesthetics Criticism • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Aestheticization of Evil and the Theory of Poetic Justice

Wang Jian'gang   

  1. the College of Media and International Culture, Zhejiang University (Hangzhou 310028, China)
  • Online:2016-03-25 Published:2017-09-28
  • About author:Wang Jian'gang, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the College of Media and International Culture, Zhejiang University (Hangzhou 310028, China), with research focus on theory of literature.

Abstract: As one of the common themes in literature and art, evil can be transformed and purified through creative aestheticization and obtain a new quality which the ordinary life cannot provide. Meanwhile, it also can be endowed with a poetic value and aesthetic ethics. Therefore, evil in art may not only help to engage the reader in understanding life but also plays a big role of providing aesthetic pleasure. Furthermore, the paradox of the aestheticization of evil will eventually point out the issue of literary ethics and trigger the people to ponder on poetic justice.    

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