Chinese Journal of Literary Criticism

No.3, 2024

Evolution of Local Paths in Contemporary Literature

(Abstract)

Li Yi

The pursuit of“locality” in literature is a means by which different regions discover and activate their creativity. The vision of “locality” has a long history in Chinese literature and has continued to develop into modern times. By examining examples such as “New Northeast Literature” and “New Southern Writing,” we can trace and summarize the evolution of this academic trajectory, and its values and contributions while reflecting on its future potential. The transregional nature of writers and their work indicates that their focus has shifted beyond local themes to deeper, more intentional ones. Ultimately, the pursuit of “locality” in literature is not genuinely about place, but about “people” themselves. This humancentric approach is the true impetus for the ongoing creation of the “locality” in contemporary literature.