After Mao's death, Chinese literature shifted from political propaganda to exploring individual experiences. This change marked a return to humanism, focusing on personal thoughts and emotions rather than collective ideology.
Writers delved into themes like love, loss, and identity, challenging the idea that art should serve political purposes. This new approach paved the way for more diverse and introspective works, reflecting China's changing society.
Humanism in Post-Mao Literature
Defining Humanism
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Humanism is a philosophical and ethical stance emphasizing the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively
Prefers critical thinking and evidence (rationalism and empiricism) over acceptance of dogma or superstition
In the context of Chinese literature, humanism refers to a focus on the individual's thoughts, feelings, and experiences, as opposed to the collective or political ideology
Resurgence of Humanism in Post-Mao Literature
The resurgence of humanism in post-Mao Chinese literature marked a significant shift from the politically-oriented works of the era, which primarily served as propaganda tools
The return to humanism allowed writers to explore the complexities of the human condition, delving into themes such as love, loss, desire, and the in life
This humanistic approach to literature challenged the prevailing notion that art should serve a political purpose
Paved the way for a more diverse and introspective body of work, such as the movement (shanghen wenxue) and the (menglongshi)
Features of Humanist Literature
Focus on the Individual's Inner World
Humanist literature in the post-Mao period is characterized by a focus on the individual's inner world, including their thoughts, emotions, and personal experiences
Writers often employ introspective and psychological narratives to explore the complexities of the human mind and the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing society
Examples include the works of , such as "To Live" (Huozhe) and "Chronicle of a Blood Merchant" (Xu Sanguan mai xue ji), which delve into the inner lives of their protagonists
Common Themes and Subjects
Common themes in humanist literature include love, desire, , , and the and meaning in life
Many works feature characters who are struggling to reconcile their personal desires and aspirations with the expectations and constraints of society
For example, 's "Love Must Not Be Forgotten" (Ai, shi buneng wangji de) explores the tension between personal desires and societal expectations through the story of a woman's lifelong love affair
Experimental Form and Style
Humanist literature also tends to be more experimental in form and style compared to the works of the Cultural Revolution era
Writers employ techniques such as , , and to capture the inner workings of the human mind
Examples include Can Xue's surrealist short stories, which use dream-like imagery and fragmented narratives to explore the subconscious minds of her characters
Focus Shift: Ideology to Individuality
Rejection of Politicized Literature
During the Cultural Revolution, Chinese literature was dominated by works that served as propaganda tools, promoting political ideology and the cult of personality surrounding Mao Zedong
In the post-Mao period, writers began to reject this politicized approach to literature, instead focusing on the individual's experiences and emotions
This shift allowed writers to explore a wider range of themes and subjects, including love, desire, alienation, and the search for meaning in life
Introspective and Psychological Approach
The emphasis on individual experiences and emotions led to a more introspective and psychological approach to literature, with writers delving into the inner worlds of their characters
This shift in focus reflected broader changes in Chinese society, as people began to question the dominant political ideology and seek greater personal freedom and self-expression
For example, 's novel "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" (Chang hen ge) explores the psychological impact of historical events on the lives of ordinary people in Shanghai
Significance of Humanism in China's Transformation
Challenging Dominant Ideology
The return to humanism in Chinese literature played a crucial role in the country's social and cultural transformation in the post-Mao period
By focusing on the individual's experiences and emotions, humanist literature challenged the dominant political ideology and the notion that art should serve a purely political purpose
This shift in literary focus contributed to a broader cultural movement that emphasized personal freedom, self-expression, and the value of the individual
Reflecting Societal Changes
Humanist literature provided a space for writers and readers to explore the complexities of the human condition and to grapple with the challenges of living in a rapidly changing society
The popularity of humanist literature among readers reflected a growing desire for works that spoke to their own experiences and emotions, rather than simply promoting a political agenda
The return to humanism in literature can be seen as part of a larger trend towards greater openness and diversity in Chinese society, as people sought to break free from the constraints of the past and forge new identities and ways of life
Shaping Cultural Discourse
The resurgence of humanism in post-Mao literature had a profound impact on the cultural discourse in China
By challenging the dominant political ideology and emphasizing the value of the individual, humanist writers helped to shape a new cultural landscape that was more diverse, introspective, and open to different perspectives
This shift in cultural discourse paved the way for further social and political reforms in the decades that followed, as Chinese society continued to grapple with the legacy of the Mao era and the challenges of modernization