Framework and Paradigm:Reexamination of the Discourse on"Citizen Literature"in the Mid-to-Late Ming Dynasty
When discussing the cultural and artistic development of the mid-to-late Ming Dynasty,scholars often summarize the general trend with the rise of citizen literature.The establishment and refinement of this discourse are often based on specific social foundations,particularly the development of commerce and the elevation of the status of merchants.Although these two aspects presented a very different appearance during the late Ming period,we should not overestimate their transformative implications.When examining the behavior and speech of merchants,we should focus not only on their identity attributes but also,primarily,on their fundamental demands and needs as human beings,and have a comprehensive understanding and objective examination of their idealistic and practical needs.Since evaluations of merchants/commerce vary,the understanding of citizen literature should naturally be adjusted accordingly.In fact,the definition of urbanites/citizen literature itself is fraught with disagreements and ambiguities,largely because scholars have simply grafted this theory into the field of literary and artistic research without the necessary theoretical awareness,resulting in a lack of a coherent system.Due to various preconceived notions,the theory of citizen literature is deficient to varying degrees when we examine literary phenomena,describe literary history,and reveal literary laws,and it is in urgent need of in-depth reflection.
EconomyLate MingMerchantsCommerceCitizen Literature
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