Comparative Studies On Xu Xueyi And Ye Xie’s Positive Variation Theory

Both Xu Xueyi and Ye Xie are famous ancient theorists,in recent years,there are few comparative studies on their Positive Variation Theory(The Theory of ZhengBian).Though some articles ever mentioned them,the studies on their theories are not expanded and a well received viewpoint has not been formed.This paper takes Poetic Argument written by Xu Xueyi and Origin of Poetry written by Ye Xie as the research texts and tries to make a comparative study on their Positive Variation Theory’s connotations as well as their positive variation value orientation.The paper consists of three chapters:the introduction,the main body and the conclusion.The introduction makes a brief comment on the world’s current research situation about the two theorists’ Positive Variation theory in the past three decades.It also illustrates the topic selection background as well as its significance.The main body of the paper is formed by three chapters and it focuses on the comparative study of Xu Xueyi and Ye xie’s Positive Variation Theory.Chapter One mainly analyzes the similarities and differences of the two theorists’ poetry development views from two aspects: the sources and the positive variation of poetry.As far as the sources of poetry are concerned,Xu Xueyi and Ye Xie have inherited the same poetry traditions: the source of poetry is The Three Hundred Chapter and the following poetry views are considered as the flow,but their ways of discussion are quite different.Xue Xuyi’s arguments about poetry sources are diverse while Ye Xie’s arguments are integral,which can be summarized by prosperity.As far as poetry flow is concerned,Xu Xueyi thinks the prosperity of poetry is closely associated with the times.By contrast,Ye Xie believes that it is impossible for poetry to face the same situations-poetry may not always flourish.On the aspect of poetry’s positive variation,both of them have inherited the literary pursuit ideology but while discussing poetry’s positive variation,they hold different argument ways.For the poetry’s positive variation rules,Xu Xueyi believes in the proper relationship between self―disciplines and heteronomy while Ye Xie believes in the circulatory positive variation.Besides,Xu Xie sees prosperity caused by changes as the power promoting poetrydevelopment and even the entire literary trend.Chapter Two illustrates their creation theories’ similarities and differences from the aspects of creation subjects and approaches.Xu Xueyi and Ye Xie think that the knowledge and talent of the creation subjects are closely related to poetry development.Xu Xueyi thinks that rich knowledge outweighs talents.By contrast,Ye Xie regards both knowledge and talents as essential elements but he thinks the former is more important.Their creation methods are more or less the same: they both emphasize the control of positiveness and variation.Ye Xie attaches importance to the fixed form rules that poetry creation should follow.Based on the viewpoints of the ancient people,Xu Xueyi suggests making use of the ancient people’s advantages to avoid one’s own disadvantages.However,Ye Xie believes that ancient people should neither be neglected or be overemphasize.Chapter Three makes a comparative analysis on the similarities and differences of Xu Xueyi’s theory which emphasizes positiveness and Ye Xie’s theory that encourages variation.The comparative analysis research is conducted based on the criticizing towards Qizishi Ancient Theory,Gong’an School and Jingling School.For Qizishi Ancient Theory,the two theorists prefer a rational analysis and argument for its advantages.For Gong’an School and Jingling School,while pointing out the drawbacks of the ideology,the two theorists speak highly of their supports for discarding the old sources in time.The conclusion summarizes the inheritance and development of the traditional poetics raised by Xu Xueyi and Ye Xie’s Positive Variation Theory.