Impact of"New Novels"on New Knowledge abroad in the Eraof Late Qing of China
Inthe eraof Late Qing of China,with the rise of the bourgeois reform movement and the democratic revolution,novels were regarded as a powerful tool for the salvation of the nation,receiving unprecedented attention.Representatives of the reformist faction,such as Liang Qichao,believed that using"new novels"to transmit"knowledge abroad"and enlighten the minds of the people was the most effective way for the"new citizen".In this context,the translation and dissemination of new novels and knowledge became a trend of the times.During this period,the literary world witnessed the emergence of novel genres that had never existed in Chinese literary history,such as political novels,social novels,philosophical novels,adventure novels,maritime novels,science fiction,detective novels,military novels,idealistic novels,business novels,educational novels,and family novels.They continuously conveyed unfamiliar and fascinating knowledge to Chinese readers,including political constitutionalism,exotic wonders,scientific fantasies,detective reasoning,industrial salvation of the nation,autonomous marriage,women's rights and education,and educational reform.This broadened the readers'horizons and provided them with a wealth of new perspectives.In the process of selectively translating novels abroad,the new novelists often preferred to interweave the depiction of stories abroad with commentary on the Chinese realities to carry out satirical reflections on the current situation,or had modifications and expansions of the translated novels to make them more conducive to awakening their compatriots.As for their original works,these novelists tended to choose foreign characters and stories as the thematic content of their novels.Through narrating the stories of foreign characters,they aimed to guide and inspire the Chinese audience.Alternatively,in domestic-themed novels,they may incorporate elements of overseas cultures,recount the experience or adventures of characters in foreign lands,and explore advanced technological and cultural concepts to broaden the knowledge horizons of their fellow countrymen.The dissemination of new knowledge abroad through"new novels"not only expanded the knowledge horizons and structures of the Chinese people but also effectively transformed their political awareness and patriotic sentiments.Concepts such as"reform","improvement","constitutionalism","autocracy","equality","freedom","human rights","democracy","republicanism","revolution","women's rights"and"science"were crucial new ideas and thoughts that,to a large extent,gradually gained acceptance among the general population through the transmission of"new novels".This,in turn,influenced their mentality and behavior.In this sense,the widespread dissemination of new knowledgeand ideas by"new novels"can be considered a prelude to the voices of"democracy"and"science"advocated by the New Culture Movement.From the perspective of literary development,the transmission of new knowledge abroad by"new novels"not only endowed Chinese fiction with a modern thematic essence but also expanded the domains of novel genres and narrative art.This infusion brought about various novel and unfamiliar experiences for readers,effectively rejuvenating traditional novel concepts and promoting the modern transformation of Chinese novels.Moreover,it exerted an undeniable influence on the literary revolution of the May Fourth Movement.Therefore,the transmission of new knowledge abroad through"new novels"indeed,to a certain extent,enlightened the intellectual and emotional consciousness of the Chinese people.It facilitated the social changes and literary transformation in modern China,nourished the New Culture Movement,and heralded the advent of the modern literary revolution.
new novelsnew knowledge abroadenlighten civilian wisdommode of transmissionnew democracy and save the country thoughts
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