The legitimacy and modernity of Chinese traditional poetry and lyrics in the 20th century

Abstract

For a long time, the legitimacy of Chinese traditional poetry and lyrics has been suspected, denied or suspended. Therefore, it was deserted by literature studies and literature history writing. Accordingly, it caused a man-made barrier to this part of literature resources. Some researchers have doubted and denied the legitimacy of traditional poetry and lyrics and some paid no attention to the fate and form of the traditional literary style. Academic researchers should change their prejudice to the traditional poetry and lyrics. First of all, we should understand the rationality of the traditional poetry and lyrics. It is also necessary to redefine the category of modern literature and use modern Chinese poetry to cover all the poetry in the 20th century and put an end to the conflicts between new poetry and traditional poetry. The traditional poetry in the 20th century has demonstrated the pursuit of modernity and self-sufficiently become a new historical tradition. Besides, in the new era, we should also broke the binary opposition between new poetry and traditional poetry and take traditional poetry as the cultural achievements of Chinese people in the new historical period, which will greatly facilitate the development of traditional poetry and enhance our understanding of literature and culture.

Key words： Chinese literature in the 20th century; traditional poetry; legitimacy; modernity