Chinese Journal of Literary Criticism

No.4, 2024

 

How to Approach Tradition—Revisiting the Modern Transformation of Ancient Literary Theory

(Abstract)

 

Zheng Wei

 

The “modern transformation of ancient literary theory” is not about constructing a theoretical framework on paper but about finding a place for traditional discourse within contemporary life. This process depends on the needs of the moment, and is rooted in addressing contemporary issues with an awareness of tradition. Tradition requires the illumination of present-day perspectives and a mindset of creative interpretation, which involves sympathetically understanding and expressing what the ancients left unsaid. Cultural traditions can only take on new meanings through ongoing dialogue, and, in this way, remain relevant today. A modern transformation rooted in a dualistic subject-object mindset is, therefore, impossible.