The Influence Of Shakespeare On Modern Chinese Drama: An Analysis

Shakespeare is recognized as one of the influential western dramatists on modern Chinese drama, and Shakespearean influences has long been a sphere probed into by many researchers. Based on the achievements already made, this dissertation attempts to further discuss the significance of Chinese Shakespearean studies in the years 1919-1949 toward the forming and developing of modem Chinese drama, aiming to objectively evaluate the historical functions of Shakespeare in the process of creation, development and maturation of modern Chinese drama. Meanwhile, experience of modem Chinese dramatists learning from Shakespeare is also explored to find out the achievements and characteristics. The author argues that, compared with Ibsen, who has influenced modern Chinese drama in a morally instructive way, Shakespeare has influenced it aesthetically. The significance of Shakespearean influence lies in the fact that it inspired the poetic tradition of Chinese theatrical arts, and helped it to avoid being narrow, shallow and even dried up because of long-term emphasis on the social instructive function of drama. Moreover, study of Shakespearean plays has brought modern Chinese drama invaluable artistic elements, which helps Chinese drama to heighten its aesthetic quality.