Unable To Escape From The Memory Of Era

In the1980s, the educated youth literature, which is the memory of history, came into being in China’s literary world. Liang Xiaosheng and many other writers, who were once educated youths, enabled the readers to know a generation’s change of spirits. He picked out some precious factors from their painful and sorrowful experiences at that time, on the basis of which, he wrote a hymn of the heroes. The work style of Liang Xiaosheng changed dramatically as the tide of "educated youth literature" had receded. As a result, research about Liang Xiaosheng gradually shifted to the study of his populace-oriented writing style and his realistic writing spirit, emphasizing the subversion of the thought and content in his works in the1990s compared with that of his works in the1980s, and ignoring the cohesion and commonality in Liang’s works of different periods. The thesis discusses the dominant influence of "educated youth" elements in Liang’s works through the different manifestations of his "educated youth novels" in different periods, and by reviewing Liang Xiaosheng’s unsuccessful attempts to make breakthrough in his writing experience, elaborates the important influence of the "Cultural Revolution" history and literary theories on Liang’s creating.This thesis is divided into three chapters. In chapter one, Liang Xiaosheng’s works at first are classified according to their different contents and styles. And then, the thesis inquires into the unique heroism reflected from his writings on educated youth in the1980s. In this period, his works are bold and unconstrained, reflecting his revolutionary romanticism. This style differs a lot from the very popular negative description of other writers. In addition, his writing style at that time was influenced obviously by the literary and artistic theories in "Cultural Revolution". From the perspective of history, his realistic depiction of typical environment and characters is also of unique significance. In chapter two, Liang Xiaosheng’s writings in the1990s on educated youth are separated from the contemporary works of critical realism. On the basis of the analysis of differences between his educated youth novels in the1980s and1990s, it can be seen that Liang Xiaosheng’s educated youth works in the1990s were calm and objective analysis of the history, instead of the idealistic narration. His educated youth works shifted from solemn and stirring hymns of heroes to negative narration of the sufferings. The pathos of his works displays to the readers the tenacity of human nature in the harsh reality.In chapter three, Liang Xiaosheng’s breakthrough in his writings in the new period is deeply discussed and analyzed. His educated youth novels once established his reputation, but also hindered him from keeping pace with the times. When a variety of pioneering writing styles were booming in the literary world, Liang Xiaosheng also tried to break through his traditional writing ideas. He attempted to draw inspiration from the ancient Chinese literature and western literature so that he can improve his article structure and language. However, his works are still influenced by the ethical judgment and memories of the times in "Cultural Revolution". Although he still made no new breakthroughs in his writing mode, his pursuit of innovation is very commendable. As one of the writers who want to change and make new progress in the new period, he is an outstanding representative in China’s literary world.