Theoretical Value of Wu Cheng's "the Seven Writers of the Tang and Song Dynasties"——On the Formation of Eight Great Literary Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasty As Well

Among celebrated rationalist Neo-Confucians and writers in Ming Dynasty,Wu Cheng achieved great success in literary theories.He referred to the Seven Writers of Tang and Song Dynasties,which sang high praise for seven representative writers,establishing passage of classical literary styles from Xihan Dynasty to Tang and Song Dynasties.It has vital theoretical value in presenting return to ancients but not rigidly adhering to classics,i.e.advocating personality besides carrying on literary traditions.Meanwhile,it was first time in history to generalize writers of Tang and Song Dynasties in whole,and it was important link in formation of title of Eight Great Literary Masters of Tang and Song Dynasties.