The Study On The Prefaces Of Collected Works In The Tang Dynasty

The preface of collected works is a type of writing which is attached to the front or back of the collected works.It aims to introduce the deeds of the author,the reasons for organizing and writing,the content of the essays and other information related to this collected works.Based on the existing 91 prefaces of collected works of Tang Dynasty,this paper is divided into five parts.The first chapter combs the diachronic evolution of the prefaces from the Western Jin Dynasty to the Tang Dynasty,and talks about the writing background and program of the prefaces.This part summarizes the preface’s creation of style and its influence on the writing of future generations and corrects the previous wrong evaluation.The second chapter starts from the naming and text form of the prefaces.Focusing on the problem that Liu Yuxi didn’t name his prefaces by “preface”,this part respectively discusses the deep-seated relationship and interaction between the prefaces of collected works and other forms in Preface Style.It also talks about the deep connection and interaction between the prefaces and other writing styles which called “shuo” “ji”“zhuan” on stylistic origin,expression function,application scene and so on.Based on the above analysis,this part reveals the stylistic concept and cultural psychology in the Tang Dynasty.The third chapter analyzes the reasons why the prefaces in Tang Dynasty have the authority of literary criticism and their influences.Because of the help of this authority,Chen Zi’ang established his “outstanding position” in the literary history of Tang Dynasty.The fourth chapter focuses on the coincidence of time in compiling anthologies and the unusual writing style of the prefaces.This part reveals the involvement of political and family factors in these literary activities,and makes it clear that the preface is actually the mixed products of political power and family concept.And in the specific context,the preface has the special functions of struggling,seeking promotion,showing filial piety and status.