Can xue

Definition

Can xue, often translated as 'dirty literature' or 'filthy literature,' refers to a genre of avant-garde literature that emerged in China during the 1980s. It is characterized by its bold, experimental style, explicit content, and willingness to confront taboo subjects such as sexuality, identity, and societal norms. This genre represents a significant departure from traditional literary forms and reflects the cultural and political changes in China after the Cultural Revolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Can xue emerged in the context of post-Cultural Revolution China, when authors began to explore previously forbidden themes and subjects.
2. The genre is known for its unconventional narrative structures and often surreal imagery, challenging readers' expectations of storytelling.
3. Can xue works often critique societal norms and question the nature of identity, making them a vehicle for exploring personal and collective experiences.
4. Authors associated with can xue often faced criticism for their provocative content, yet their works played a crucial role in expanding the boundaries of Chinese literature.
5. The influence of Western literary movements like surrealism and postmodernism is evident in can xue, as writers sought to redefine what literature could be in a rapidly changing society.

Review Questions

• How did the emergence of can xue reflect the cultural shifts happening in China during the 1980s?
  • The emergence of can xue during the 1980s reflects significant cultural shifts in China as the country began to open up after the Cultural Revolution. This genre allowed authors to explore themes that had previously been censored, such as sexuality and identity, marking a departure from traditional literature. The bold and experimental nature of can xue also mirrored the growing desire for freedom of expression among writers and artists seeking to respond to societal changes.
• What are some key characteristics of can xue that distinguish it from earlier literary forms in China?
  • Can xue is distinguished from earlier literary forms in China by its focus on explicit content, unconventional narrative structures, and surreal imagery. Unlike traditional literature that adhered to established norms and themes, can xue embraces experimentation and challenges societal taboos. This genre often incorporates fragmented storytelling and a blend of reality with fantasy, reflecting a broader trend toward avant-garde art during a time of political and cultural upheaval.
• Evaluate the impact of can xue on contemporary Chinese literature and its place within the global literary landscape.
  • Can xue has had a profound impact on contemporary Chinese literature by opening up new avenues for exploring complex themes related to identity, sexuality, and societal norms. Its innovative style has inspired a new generation of writers who continue to challenge traditional literary forms. On a global scale, can xue has contributed to discussions about censorship, freedom of expression, and the role of literature in reflecting social change, positioning Chinese avant-garde writers within an international context that values experimentation and diverse voices.

Related terms

Avant-Garde: A movement in the arts that seeks to challenge established conventions and push boundaries, often embracing experimental techniques and new ideas.

Postmodernism: A literary and artistic movement characterized by a questioning of traditional narratives and forms, often incorporating irony, playfulness, and fragmentation.

Cultural Revolution: A sociopolitical movement in China from 1966 to 1976 initiated by Mao Zedong, aimed at preserving communist ideology by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society.