From “the Pragmatic Approach” to “Systematic Analysis”: The Trend in the Study of Modern Chinese Literature in the 1990s

The study of modern Chinese literature has undergone significant changes since the “restoration of order” in the 70s and the “emancipation of the mind” in the 80s. There is composedness in the 90s, and scholars seek independence in their academic research and call for academic standards. The focus of research shifts from politics to culture, and scholars tend to seek the location in culture for modern literature. Both internal and external criticism receive equal attention. New interdisciplinary fields of research are explored. New theoretical perspectives are presented. The study of the 20th century Chinese literature makes progress. The history of the study of modern Chinese literature begins to take shape. All these achievements signify the change from “the pragmatic approach” to “systematic analysis” in the study of modern Chinese literature in the 1990s.