| The dissertation aims at constructing a framework for understanding Su Shi's creative and critical perceptions and theories.;Su Shi's concept of verisimilitude is characterized by an emphasis on the spiritual aspect. He claims that the objective law of nature, which governs the infinite changes of the universe, holds the key to true beauty and verisimilitude.;Su Shi proposed unique relationships between ideas and expression, and between the writer and his materials. Specifically, he made "having the whole vision of bamboo," i.e., ready plans, a maxim for many in China who want to better prepare themselves before taking action.;My presentation of Su Shi's notions on language accounts for his fresh and colorful phraseology and diction. He made a clear distinction between freshness and eccentricity, and recommended lucidity and an unornamented style that are inherent in natural language.;My discussion of his pragmatic theories focuses on his ideas about the purpose of literature, which is to expose and remedy social errors. These theories are placed in the context of his time and his sense of responsibility as a writer.;An investigation of his theories on originality shows how he established his "Bold and Unrestrained School," which revived the lyric as a genre and elevated it to a new level as a serious poetic medium.;Finally, the dissertation analyzes his major critical theories. He proposed that criticism be subjected to the test of time, and believed that critical ability must be nurtured in wider life experience that would procreate imagination, perception, and accuracy. In addition, he suggested that it was necessary to adhere to one's own judgments, and to reject undesirable interference in literary criticism.;The dissertation makes available in English a comprehensive study of one of the greatest figures in Chinese literary history, as well as many freshly translated texts from the rich literary tradition of China, most of which is hardly known to the West. |
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