Chinese Journal of Literary Criticism

No.1, 2022 

The Degradation and Restoration of the Functions of Contemporary Literary Theory

(Abstract)

Zhang Zhengwen and Chen Long

The degradation of the functions of contemporary literary theory is manifested in three aspects: the serious degradation of the function of spiritual supply for literary creation and appreciation; of conceptual leadership for literary criticism; and of public nature for social and cultural life. It is the result of long-term accumulation. In order to restore these functions, we need to step by step, starting from telling the truth and in simple words.