Chen Duxiu's Novel Theory and its Status in Chinese Modern Literature

Chen Duxiu published a series of critical essays and a large number of scattered ideas about the novels around the May 4th Movement,which have formed the basic content of his novel theory.Among them,he fiercely criticized the feudalist outmoded habits,the thought written by the famous schools,and the malpractices of pine and whine without cause in traditional novels.At the same time,he appreciated novels with the active factors of criticizing reality,encouraging revolt and advocating freedom.By doing so,he put forward the distinguished modern aesthetical ideal of the independent spirit and realistic spirit,and above all,he also suggested an artistic style and crafts as the goal of new literature movement.Thus new sharp thought had been poured into the birth of modern literature in China.