Chinese Journal of Literary Criticism

No.1, 2022 

The Inward Turn of “Male-Oriented” Novels: A Review of Male-Lead Online Novels in Chinese Literature (2020-2021)

(Abstract)

Ji Yunfei

Between 2020 and 2021, after a growth stage, Chinese online literature has passed into a maturity stage, and its production mechanism, writing genres and patterns are generally comprehensive. This round of media revolution aimed at literary production is coming to an end. While fully displaying its uniqueness, Chinese online literature has gradually merged into the mainstream literature. Specifically, under the principle of reality orientation, male-lead online novels improve itself mainly through exploration of subtlety and details, climbing to the peak of literature.