Chinese Journal of Literary Criticism

No.4, 2018 

Wandering Between the “Study of Humanity” (Renxue) and the “Study of Literature” (Wenxue): Reflections on Zhou Zuoren’s Literary Views and Related Researches

(Abstract)

Wang Shu

Zhou Zuoren’s literary views are full of complexities and contradictions. Most current studies of Zhou Zuoren’s literary views are fettered by disciplinary stances and perspectives, which result in the lack of comprehensive vision and over-evaluation to a certain extent. Only by returning to a multidisciplinary context and seeking truth from facts can we discover the essence of Zhou Zuoren’s concept of “human literature.” Zhou Zuoren created the “study of humanity” (renxue)on the basis of interdisciplinary perspectives including biology, anthropology, folklore, etc., and then entered into the “study of literature” (wenxue) from the perspective of the “study of humanity,” the discussions of which range from humanitarianism, individualism, non-utilitarianism, origin, to development, types and categories, etc. However, due to the mismatch of disciplines, the conflation of logics, and the mix of values, Zhou Zuoren’s literary views are impaired by his confusion of the study of humanity and the study of literature. The shortcomings of his views are manifested in the jump from the individual to humankind, the conflict between the position of commoners and the aristocratic spirit, and the contradiction between his criticism of national character and his local taste.