Explaining "Xing,Guan,Qun,Yuan" From the Angle of Historical Background

Owing to his doctrine of Xing,Guan,Qun,Yuan,Confucius has long been regarded as the founder of the theory of realism in the history of ancient literary criticisms.However,an investigation of Confucius' views on poetry tells us that it is necessary to make a detailed analysis of his doctrine of Xing,Guan,Qun,Yuan by considering it in relation to the historical circumstances of the late stage of the Spring and Autumn Period.This doctrine,which was related to political issues,was a result of given historical conditions and social circumstances.Paying no attention to the special significance of learning and using poems during the Spring and Autumn Period and merely observing Confucius from the angle of a literary theorist mean no more than a separation of the function from the purpose,which does not necessarily fit in with the practical thoughts cherished by Confucius as a great thinker.