Exploring the interplay between economics and literature is conducive to sustainable interdisciplinary development. Photo: TUCHONG

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There is an interactive relationship between literature and economics. The creation and dissemination of literary classics are influenced by economic factors. In terms of social and historical development, world literature, advocated by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, is undoubtedly rooted in profound historical and cultural traditions, as well as the economic exchanges among various nation-states. Literature also possesses a forward-looking awareness which serves to guide economic development; its imaginative qualities can inspire economic growth, and its portrayal of economic themes can offer valuable insights for economic activities.

Integration

The relationship between literature and economics is intricate and deeply intertwined, making it difficult to fully explain. From its inception, literature has been closely connected to economic factors. However, the interdisciplinary comparative study of literature and economics, and its elevation to the level of academic theory, is relatively recent.  

The economic themes and portrayals within literary classics offer valuable insights for contemporary economic development in China. Concepts such as “common prosperity” and “new quality productive forces” not only involve economic takeoff, but also wealth distribution and social progress. Economic criticism in literature can also expand the scope of foreign literature studies. Many foreign literary works, especially novels of the picaresque genre, depict poverty, class division, and wealth disparity, providing a certain degree of theoretical support for the necessity of China’s current “common prosperity” drive, and offering essential reference for the practical implementation of this strategy.

“Common prosperity” falls within the realm of “literature and economics,” with the relationship between the two not only embodying the pursuit of intellectual desires and material interests, but also highlighting the social function of literature. 

Economic criticism in literature

Economic criticism in literature has become an important part of literary studies. In fact, literary texts are inherently skilled at expressing and interacting with specific social and cultural phenomena, as well as the prevailing discourse of the times. In terms of “economic criticism,” the definition and corresponding research scope are relatively objective, with content encompassing several aspects related to literary economic criticism. However, in that the focus is primarily on economic criticism, the literary aspects may not be fully explored. Although the scope of literary economic criticism may be very broad, the following two points are typically representative.

First is the role of money in the portrayal of character psychology. In terms of the relationship between economics and literature, economic elements are abundant in literary works. Second is the enlightening significance of economic factors in literature. Throughout social and historical development, literature possesses an exceptionally astute forward-looking awareness that can guide economic progress.

In modern society, writers are not only the engineers of the human soul but are also producers of knowledge commodities. For a literary work to become a commodity and cultural capital, it must enter the marketplace. The same applies to literary translation, which carries both intellectual and cultural attributes as well as the characteristics of a commodity within economic exchanges. In the global competition among national literary works as commodities, a world literary discourse based on economic factors has gradually taken shape.

Although there is no direct causal relationship between economic globalization and literature, it is difficult to imagine the existence of world literature without economic globalization. When Goethe’s concept of world literature was promoted and accepted in the 1820s, it was rooted not only in profound historical and cultural traditions but also in the increased convenience of transportation and economic exchanges between nations following the industrial revolution.

Literary exchanges between countries are inseparable from translation activities, and the translation of literary and academic works is closely tied to economic activities. Original authors of literary works receive ideal remuneration through translation, usually commensurate with the economic value of their work. Similarly, literary classics that have entered the global literary arena also acquire value through the economic competition among various translations.

It is evident that literature, as the “superstructure,” cannot exist without the support of the “economic foundation.” Even the term “ecocriticism,” inherently contains elements of “economic criticism.” This not only represents an expansion of interdisciplinary cultural criticism, but also reflects the intrinsic demands of ecological civilization construction.

In summary, as society advances and the economy develops, coupled with the globalization of economic activities, the relationship between literature and economics has grown increasingly intertwined, making “literary economic criticism” a viable field of study. The scope of economic criticism in literary classics is vast and multifaceted, which allows for a deeper understanding of authors’ creative intentions and the artistic charm of these works. It also permits the exploration of the documentary value and cognitive functions of literary works beyond their aesthetic appeal, and serves national strategic decisions such as “common prosperity.”

Wu Di is a professor from the School of Literature at Zhejiang University. 

Edited by ZHAO YUAN