Xu Wei’s "True-self Theory" And Its Embodiment In Literary Creation

In the trend of classicism of Ming dynasty,Xu Wei put forward the "True-self Theory" with self-expression and abundant connotation,which together with Li Zhi’s "Theory of the Childlike Heart" and Tang Xianzu’s "Supreme Emotions Theory" formed the romantic trend of thought in the Ming Dynasty.Xu Wei’s proficient in poetry,ancient prose,painting,calligraphy and traditional opera,while predecessors paid more attention to the "True-self Theory" in his drama creation.In fact,the deep connotation of "True-self Theory" runs through Xu Wei’s poetry and drama creation.This thesis analyzes the "True-self Theory" and its embodiment in literary creation from five parts,trying to sum up its rich connotation,and looking for the benign interaction between theory and practice in literary creation.Finally,it summarizes the influence of "True-self Theory" on later generations.The first chapter focuses on the theory and ancient prose,discusses the connotation and causes of the "True-self Theory",takes "truth" as the essence,and discusses it in detail from three aspects.Criticism of the trend of classicism,the infiltration of Yangming philosophy,personal talents and family background,and the thought of the unity of three religions promote the formation of the "True-self Theory".The second chapter focuses on the "true self" in poetry creation,and discusses the expression of "true-self" in poetry creation from four aspects: chanting history poems,the poems for the paintings,bamboo pole poem and travel poems with the help of poetry content expressed by different themes.The third chapter focuses on prose,which is divided into personal biography,gift-preface,preface and postscript and others based on genre,expressing self-knowledge and emotion,and discussing the integration of "true self" in prose creation.The fourth chapter is devoted to classical plays.Based on the social reality reflected by the stories in The Voice of the Ape and Songs Instead of Howling,it analyzes the appeal of "true-self" in traditional Chinese opera creation.The fifth chapter focuses on the influence of "True-self Theory" on Yuan Hongdao and Tang Xianzu.Starting with the changes of Yuan Hongdao’s literary style in the early and late period,it focuses on the influence of Xu Wei on the sudden change of Yuan Hongdao’s late style,which is supported by the performance in literary creation;By comparing Xu Wei’s and Tang Xianzu’s views on "emotion",this paper discusses that "True-self Theory" has influenced the formation of Tang Xianzu’s literary concept.