Rational Normalization of Literature under the Influence of Pre - Qin Confucianism

Pre-Qin Confucianism refers to the whole thinking system of politics and ethics before Qin Dynasty, with Confucius as its representative personage, practicality and rationality as its essence. As the dominating doctrine of the time, it has made a tremendous impact upon both social norms and social ideology. Its influence on Pre - Qin literature is highlighted primarily in the following ways: Firstly, ethicizing, politicizing and historizing primitive myths through either intentionally garbled account or even re - creation; secondly, expounding The Book of Songs with an obvious tendency towards politicization and ethicization, thus trying to advocate its own points of view on politics. In addition, although almost no elaboration and comments were made on Qu Yuan's works by Pre - Qin Confucians by reason of its appearance, yet those Post - Qin Confucian scholars, on the principle of start with passion but stop before going too far, did cast quite a few notes and remarks on his writings as well as the author himself.