Guardian of Beauty-Discussion of Shen Congwen's Aesthetic Criticism

Aesthetic was the focus of Shen Cong-wen's artistic world. In criticism, he was apt to explore the writer's aesthetic pursuits from aesthetic characteristics of the works. Shen thought that the poem's appeal was determined by technique of the words and rhythm scheme. He regarded the style of writing as aesthetic standards. Thus his literary criticism succeeded in surmounting the fetters of political views, commerce and friendship. His aesthetic criticism was connected with the culture of Chu State and his aesthetic conception.