The Study Of Li Zhi’s Literary Criticism

Li Zhi, one of the most distinguished philosophers and literary theorists of MingDynasty. He was also a key figure in the late Ming literary trends. Li Zhi was one ofthe most controversial, and perhaps the most misunderstood figures in late imperialChina. His radical ideas, dramatic writing style, and unconventional life made himobject to the whole patriarchal structure of Chinese society. The noble man accordswith his station in life and does not desire to go beyond it.As a part of his ideology, his literary concept presents open properties following theideological development. His fundamental literary ideas are contained in hiswell-known essay “Tongxin shuo”(Childlike Mind)."Childlike Mind" is thefoundation of Li Zhi’s literature thoughts. He put forward his own thinkers’perspective, with deep and unique insight.In Li Zhi’s opinion, to judge the value of literary works, the most important is toappreciate whether it has the “Childlike Mind”. That means art should always expressthe true feeling in human mind. In addition, man’s feeling could be shown throughliterature, without any decorations. He also claimed that literature should follow thebeauty of nature.Li Zhi created a new situation to the novel and drama theory with the significantcontribution. He firstly standardized the form of novel and drama, and he commentedartistic characteristics and aesthetic connotations of them, thus greatly improved thesocial status and literary value of both of them. His criticisms of novel and traditionaldrama have a close contact with his “Childlike Mind" theory. That is, literature shouldapprove man’s true feelings.Li Zhi’s criticism of novel and traditional drama, mixed with his literary theory,altogether express his appoints to literature. For these reasons, His literary theory hasalways been a place in history.Finally, the paper argues the influence of Li Zhi’s Literature thoughts. It was notlimited in Ming and Qing Dynasties, but also influences our modern literature.