Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No.2, 2015

 

A New Theory on the Rise of the Modern Chinese Novel

(Abstract)

 

Qiao Yigang and Song Shengquan

 

Although the late Qing underwent a “revolution in fiction,” the position of the novel was never fully recognized. In fact, the rise of the modern Chinese novel was not only promoted by the “revolution in fiction”; it was also connected with all kinds of changes in the fields of society, politics, culture, education, and communications over a specific historical period. This can be seen specifically in the following: With the establishment of the Republic of China, changes in the political system provided a more relaxed environment; cultural consciousness tended to be more inclusive; and commercial capital was making progress. All this allowed for the subsequent effects on society of the “revolution in fiction” to become manifest and for taboo areas to be broached. The subsequent popularity of the novel as a literary movement was largely due to the public’s overall view of the novel, which was related to the social construction of knowledge. Exploration of the popularity of the early modern novel from a wider perspective will help us rethink the position and role of the early Republic in the modern turn of Chinese literature.