The Forgotten Wanderer

This thesis tries to provide a lucid exposition of Realistic Literary Theory put forward by Sun Li in1940s. The author carried out a vertical research into the emergence, evolution and variation of Sun’s theory chronologically, focusing on key words of his theory; as well as a horizontal analysis of the complicated relations and "subtle dialogues" between realistic literary theories in liberated districts and in areas under the control of KMT in1940s. After a review of Sun’s Realistic Literary Theory, in order to propose new perspectives in reading Sun’s realist novels in1940s, this thesis probes into contradictions in Sun’s theory and mismatches between his own fictions and his theory.The thesis consists of three chapters. Chapter One gives a brief introduction of Realistic Literary Theory advocated by Sun Li in1940s. This chapter is divided into four parts, each with one key phrase from Sun’s realistic literary view, namely subjectivity&objectivity, typication, authenticity, and forms&language. Chapter Two discusses several contradictions in Sun’s theory, the reasons behind and their evolution after1940s. Chapter Three concentrates on mismatches between Sun’s novels and his Realistic Literary Theory, along with their evolutions after1940s. These mismatches provide new perspectives when one is to read Sun’s novels. In this chapter, the author presents her understanding of Sun Li’s works of fiction, suggesting three new perspectives for reading Sun’s novels—the theme of "wandering", pursuing inner strength in ordinary people, and hiding reality in description of memories.