A Study Of Prose Of Li Gou

Li Gou is a famous scholar,politician and writer at the beginning of the Northern Song Dynasty.Although spenting most of his whole life as a civilian,he always highly concerned about state affairs and aimed at contributing to society.He has written numerous articles to express his political ideals.These works are all valuable wealth for later gernerations.This paper is starting from the generalized "prose",launches research on Li Gou’s studying essays of Confucian classics,political essays and other prose.The theme of Li Gou’s studying essays of Confucian classics lies on reforming according to ancient tradition,which mainly based on "The book of change" and "Zhou Li".He hopes to achieve his political ideal of improving country’s prosperity and the people’s life by restoring the orthodox position of Confucianism.In his political essays,Li Gou’s claims of "enriching the country","strengthening military " and "protecting people" have been detailedly and profoundly expressed.These essays all have a definite aim in view,cutting into the present-day evils and with great progressive significance.His other types of prose are diversified and multiple in style.Miscellanea,letters and epitaph are the most representative among them,in the same time,with the highest achievement.Some of the proses express individual views to current events or certain issues,some are to written by other people’s entrustion.They all can reflect the author’s peculiarity.Taking practical utilitarianism literary thought as the starting point,Li Gou’s prose also embodies the characteristics of writings are for conveying truth and educating.Li Gou hold the view that the articles should serve for the country music,criminal law,morality,administration and other aspects,and educate people as well.The specific propositions are:The first,praise original style of writing,against deliberately carved.The second,against the deliberate imitation,advocated innovation.The third,hold the view that writings are for conveying truth and educating people.Li Gou’s prose have produced great influence at that time and later----mainly reflects in his advocacy of statecraft,chastity style and his political propositions.