| Zhaoce, Xiyi, Zhangbiao, Zouqi, Yidui, Shuji, part of Liu Xie’s theory of categories of literature in Wen Xin Diao Long, are generally regarded as theory of official documents nowadays. Many scholars hold the opinion that Liu Xie’s theory of official documents are"literarily insignificant","have little connection with literary creation"," only throw a little light on the study of ancient categories of literature". The reason why people hold such opinion has much to do with the definition of Wen Xin Diao Long.The definition of Wen Xin Diao Long has long been a controversial topic.Most people reckon Wen Xin Diao Long as a literary theory work. It is because of this cognition, chapters on practical categories are neglected, especially his theory of official documents. In recent years, as the study of Wen Xin Diao Long proceeds, definitions except literary theory work, such as writing guide, writings-ology work, or Zishu have sent out a louder voice and are received more and more support. Liu Xie’s theory of official documents, which suffering from being neglected many years are increasingly noticed. But unfortunately, a large number of dissertations are limited to the perspective of writing study. His theory of official documents only be seen as classical discourses of ancient official documents theories. Their status and value in the whole book stay unknown. My dissertation focus on Wen Xin Diao Long’s nature as a Zishu and historical conditions of the Southern Dynasties, digging out the thought value and theoretical value of Liu Xie’s comments on official documents to make its important position throughout the book more clear.Because there is a close relationship between people’s cognition on his theory of official documents and the definition of Wen Xin Diao Long, I analyze nature of Wen Xin Diao Long at first. This paper argues that Wen Xin Diao Long is a Zishu. From ancient bibliography, the ancients’comments and modern people’s research, we know that there are still many people see Wen Xin Diao Long as a Zishu. In addition, from Si Maqian to people in Six dynasties, so many people think the most important way to achieve glory by writing is to make the academic works of an independent thought which form a school of his own. Combining with Liu Xie’s Zhuzi,Xuzhi and other articles, we can make sure that Liu Xie wanted to write a Zishu. After determining this, the importance of Liu Xie’s theory of official documents becomes clear. His theory of official documents is a key to understand his political concern and his pursuit. It is also an important part to manifest Wen Xin Diao Long’s value as a Zishu.The second part focuses on Liu Xie’s theory of official documents and his political concern. Liu Xie emphasizes the link between official documents and politics. He thinks document writers should be smart,loyal and brave. These discourses are far beyond pure comments on literature, approaching theory of politics. When it comes to document style, Liu Xie focuses on practicality. He suggests that documents should be characterized by soundness in logic and accuracy in thinking. Specifically, different document contents should match different writing styles, which also different with his predecessors’s comments on official documents. Liu Xie’s theory of official documents show his deep political concern. If we neglect Liu Xie’s theory of official documents when researching Wen Xin Diao Long, our understanding of the whole book and Liu Xie’s ideas would be incomplete. However,we have to identify that Liu Xie’s political concern is limited. What he cherishes most are the personal fame and fortune.Therefore, my dissertation turns into discussion about the relationship between Liu Xie’s theory of official documents and his pursuit of life. Liu Xie’s pursuit can be summed up as "If you are poor, charity yourself and keep writing. Otherwise take the chance to build up establishment". The importance of the latter is very far beyond the former. The reason why Liu Xie is so obsessed with feats and advocates office competence is that he realizes it is without office competence that so many literati in the history stayed underprivileged all their lives. In addition, in Liu Xie’s dynasty, nobles disdained official business. Thus political power changed to common people who had brilliant office competence. So it opened a door for common people to get promotion by office competence. Being good at writing official documents is an important part of office competence. Therefore, in order to achieve his political ambitions, Liu Xie raises writing ability to an important position, and shows his knowledge and talents in theory of official documents. Wen Xin diao Long is not only a Zishu, but also a career stepping stone.For the sake of understanding the nature of Wen Xin Diao Long and Liu Xie’s idea, his theory of official documents are really worthy of being analyzed carefully, meticulously and comprehensively. |
PDF Full Text Request