As a part of pre-Qin culture, pre-Qin literature shows the great vitality of China literature. The pre-Qin literature did not break away from the chaotic cultural form at that time, and its characteristics were closely related to the special cultural form at that time. The pre-Qin literature that appeared with the appearance of characters was not pure literature.
In the pre-Qin period, culture presented a comprehensive form. Some literary works in the pre-Qin period were historical or philosophical works. Historical and philosophical works are also full of literary significance.
Characteristics of pre-Qin literature:
1, original:
Pre-Qin literature is the first glorious page in the history of China literature. Literature came into being with the daily life of people in primitive society, such as labor, sacrifice and marriage. It developed with the development of society and became a grand view in the Zhou Dynasty. There are all kinds of literary forms, such as poetry, prose and ci fu, and there are obvious differences among historical prose, various schools of thought prose and applied prose.
2, comprehensive:
In the pre-Qin era, literature, history and philosophy were not separated, but poetry, music and dance were integrated. Literature refers to all disciplines including politics, philosophy, history and literature. Advanced Analects of Confucius says that Confucius disciples Zi You and Xia Zi are good at literature, and "literature" generally refers to ancient documents.
Classification of pre-Qin literature;
1, folk myth:
Ancient books record folk songs and myths and legends of ancient nationalities. It is said that it is a "wax word" that appeared in the Shennong era: "Earth, against its home! Water belongs to its valley! Insect, don't do it Vegetation, return to its jersey! " This is a farming sacrifice song.
In addition, there is another sentence in Volume 9 of Wu Yue Chun Qiu: "Break bamboo, continue bamboo, fly soil, and kill them one by one." This poem reflects the process of primitive people making slingshots and hunting. The language is simple but rhythmic. Obviously, this is a very old ballad.
2, historical prose:
Represented by Shangshu and Chunqiu. Shangshu is the earliest compilation of historical documents in China, which is of fundamental significance in the history of ancient Chinese prose. The Spring and Autumn Annals compiled by Confucius is the first chronological history book in China, and it is the originator of chronological history books. Its style and "brushwork" had a classic influence on later prose.