Chinese literature also comprises of a different form, which is known as drama. A mixture of music and language makes the drama very intriguing. The scripts behind all these dramas are inspired by the writings of historical writers who penned down the events and happenings of history (Link, 1983). That is why the interest in Chinese drama is always very high. Even to date, staged dramas performed at various operas around the world are considered as one of the best the world sees.
The novels written in China usually pertained to the development of one’s character. As explained above, historic Chinese writers focused on writing about how one should lead life. Those lessons were all inspired and derived by the failings of the Chinese leaders. Not just the failings, even the rightful things that were done back then were penned down that later became a guide for Chinese people to lead life in the rightful way. Many writers also stressed on adventurous writing that were based on supernatural events. A great example of this type of literature is the work of popular Chinese writer Shui-hu Chuan called The Water Margin. Chuan was known for his vivid imagination and is said to have distinctive powers in his writing style and content that could take the reader back in those time. Such was his profess at writing. Chinese writers also wrote about historic themes and top of the chart in this category would be ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms’, which was scripted during the coveted Yuan period. Chinese literature was sometimes also based on romantic stories that were meant to generate love and inspiration in the world (Mair, 1994).
While talking about Chinese literature, one novel that deserves mention more than any other is the “Dream of the Red Chamber”. Written during the early dynasties, this novel talks about the dream of a person who faced numerous hurdles and problems in pursuit of it. The text of the novel is inspired by the struggles of the Chinese people of old times to gain independence and a respectable life. This novel not just makes people value their history and tradition but also instills a sense of belonging and patriotism in them. With the theme and main idea of the novel being ‘never giving up even at time of adversities’, it became a model of inspiration for several Chinese generations to follow (Owen, 1996).
To understand the literature of China, it is essential to understand the dynasties the country saw over these thousands of years. Every dynasty saw writers establish themselves and their works were then celebrated by the following dynasties. Each dynasty represented a different theme to the literature and those themes will be further discussed in this paper.
The Han Dynasty (206 BC to AD 220)
This was the period when China was going through a never-seen-before political reformation. The idea of politics was being instilled and people were only learning new ways of administration. This was evident in the literature that was produced during this era. Literature from the Han Dynasty talks about the changing ways of life and how people coped with it. It was also during this era that poetry was introduced as part of literature in China. The most popular poets of that time were Liu An, Ssu-ma Ch'ien, and Pan Ku (Woesler, 2008). Their works are celebrated to date and their poetry is still taught in school. All of their literature talks about brining positive change to life and referred by people when they are in search of belief and inspiration. Liu An was a prince who had first-hand experience of the political reformation that was taking place. That is exactly why the literature he wrote represents so much Chinese culture and values. Reading his literature, one can literally live those moments and be nothing else but truly inspired.
The Sung Dynasty (960-1279)
The Sung Dynasty and its writers are celebrated because of one major reason. The Sung Dynasty gave Chinese literature its first and most celebrated woman poet of all times. She was called Li Ch'ing-chao. Chao was not just an inspiration for fellow writers but also for those women who never believed in the success of this gender. She has as many as six wonderful volumes of poetry to her credit. Most of them have been reprinted and still sell at most popular book stores in China (McDougall, Bonnie and Louie, 1997). Chao has also written seven different essay volumes. Her writings depict two phases of her life during ancient times in China. Her early writings talk about love and romance. However, her later writings were more about despair and hardships. This was because China was going through a troublesome time and she was having difficulties in her personal life as well. Separation from her husband also caused her writings to reflect depression and sadness. Nevertheless, the poetry and literature she wrote was nothing short of inspiration.
The Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368)
This was by far the most successful time of Chinese history. The reforms of the Yuan rulers were celebrated and China saw its most glorious days. It comes to no surprise therefore that the literature produced during the Yuan dynasty was joyful and celebratory. It was during this period that writers started writing comics and funny poetry. The joyous mood of the people reflected in the works of the writers and novelists. This poetry started being enacted in puppet shows and funny plays. All of this literature was connected with a lesson about a good move of the ruler. It was like a result oriented guide that taught people how a good decision led to them living a good life. One of the most popular writers of this dynasty was Wang Shih-fu who is known to have written one of the best dramas in Chinese history. It was called ‘Romance of the Western Chamber’ and is still enacted in Chinese plays and dramas both on stage and television. It was a romantic comedy that talked about a couple who pursued their love through difficult times in China (Michel, 2010).
The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
This dynasty had writers who concentrated on writing about adventures and fiction that were all based in China. One of the popular names of this time was Wu Cheng-en whose most celebrated work is called ‘Monkey’. This was a tale of an intelligent animal who took the struggles of travelling through China all the way to India. The novel illustrated the struggles the Chinese people were facing during old times and how they got through them. It also tried to generate inspiration through the monkey’s tireless efforts for the accomplishment of his dream of getting to India. What is notable in his literature is that it is connected to Chinese life and tradition and every word symbolizes a piece of history from the Chinese dynasties (McDougall, Bonnie, 2003).
The Manchu Dynasty (1644-1911)
This was the last of dynasties when the literature of China started getting modernized. New and emerging writers started appearing and the topics and subjects of literature were revolutionizing. This is when fiction was really pursued as a form of literature. Chinese writers were exposed to the European industry and they became more modern in their approach. A lot of literature was produced that was based on vivid imagination and fiction. Pu Sang-ling and Tsao Chans are two of the most popular names of those times (Hockx, 2010).
It essential that two of the most popular and celebrated poets in all time Chinese literature are given a mention in this paper. Lu Xun who was born in Shaoxin is known to have the weapon of the power of words in his literature. Leaders of the following dynasties used to read his work in order to get inspired and to get answers to their queries about life and leadership. Lu Xun had the best interpretation of the Chinese history. Culture and the tradition of China have been best encapsulated in his work. The other writer who deserves a worthy mention here is, Li Yu-tang. His most famous works include ‘My Country and My People', `The Importance of Living', `On the Wisdom of America' and `The Importance of Understanding’. Just by reading the titles of these pieces of literature, one can guess the content and how it could have helped the people back then who read it (Owen, 1996).
China’s literature continues to shine even to date. Most of the writings post the 20th century has aimed to bring reforms to the traditional China. It has aimed to modernize the country. Even Lu Xun’s literature eventually focused on changing the mind-sets of people (Link, 1983). He wanted people to look forward to the modern China and take China to new and greater heights. Such was the beauty of Chinese literature that it not just guided people with the help of Chinese tradition and culture; it still is the major source of inspiration for people of the great country.
References
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karanoberoi (student)
