7.3 The Return of Humanism in Chinese Literature

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

Top images from around the web for Defining Humanism

• 

  American Born Chinese - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Is a New Chinese Literary History Possible? A Critical Investigation of The Cambridge History of ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Recent Acquisition: A masterpiece of Chinese literature – RBSC at ND View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  American Born Chinese - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Is a New Chinese Literary History Possible? A Critical Investigation of The Cambridge History of ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Defining Humanism

• 

  American Born Chinese - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Is a New Chinese Literary History Possible? A Critical Investigation of The Cambridge History of ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Recent Acquisition: A masterpiece of Chinese literature – RBSC at ND View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  American Born Chinese - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Is a New Chinese Literary History Possible? A Critical Investigation of The Cambridge History of ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• 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 Cultural Revolution 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 search for meaning 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 scar literature movement (shanghen wenxue) and the misty poets (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 Yu Hua, 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, alienation, disillusionment, and the search for identity 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, Zhang Jie'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 stream-of-consciousness, fragmentation, and non-linear narratives 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, Wang Anyi'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