About the author
It is collectively known as the "Three Biography of the Spring and Autumn Period" together with "The Biography of Gongyang in the Spring and Autumn Period" and "The Biography of Guliang in the Spring and Autumn Period".
The authors of "Zuo Zhuan", Sima Qian and Ban Gu, both proved to be Zuo Qiuming, which is the most credible historical data at present.
Some scholars now believe that it was written by someone in the early Warring States period, but they all doubt it because the narrative style of some articles in "Zuo Zhuan" is inconsistent with others, and there is no historical data to support it, so it can only be classified as "Zuo Zhuan". Speculation.
The influence of "Zuo Zhuan" on later generations is first reflected in history.
It not only developed the chronological style of "Spring and Autumn", but also quoted and preserved some of the popular practical articles at that time, providing a reference for the development of practical writing in later generations.
According to the enumeration in "Wen Ze" by Chen Xiang of the Song Dynasty, there are eight types of orders, oaths, alliances, prayers, admonishments, concessions, letters, and reciprocities. In fact, there are far more than these. Later generations believed that the call to arms also originated from "Zuo Zhuan".
Ethical Thought
"Zuo Zhuan" has a distinct political and moral tendency.
Its concepts are closer to Confucianism, emphasizing hierarchical order and patriarchal ethics, paying attention to the distinction between seniority and inferiority, and also showing "people-oriented" thinking. Therefore, it is also an important historical material for studying Pre-Qin Confucianism.
It can be seen that this was an important ideological progress in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period.
The author requires rulers who are responsible for leading the country not to pursue their own selfish desires, but to consider issues from the long-term interests of the entire ruling group and the country they own. These aspects all reflect Confucian politics. ideal.
"Zuo Zhuan" is not a Confucian classic, but since it was established as a scholar and later attached to the "Spring and Autumn Annals", it has gradually been regarded as a classic by Confucian scholars.
Narrative content
"Zuo Zhuan" is an important classic that records the social conditions of the Spring and Autumn Period.
Based on royal archives, Lu Shi policy books, histories of princes and states, etc.
The records are basically in the order of the Twelve Dukes of Lu in the Spring and Autumn Annals. The content includes appointments, alliances, expeditions, weddings and funerals, usurpation and murder among the vassal states. It has an important influence on later history and literature. .
Mainly records the decline of the Zhou royal family, the history of the feudal princes' struggle for hegemony, and various etiquette norms, regulations and systems, social customs, ethnic relations, moral concepts, astronomy and geography, calendar seasons, ancient documents, myths and legends, There are descriptions and comments on the songs and rumors.
Commenting on the characteristics of "Three Biography of the Spring and Autumn Period", Jin Fanning said: ""Zuo Shi" is beautiful and rich, and its loss is also witchcraft (referring to more stories about ghosts and gods).
" "Gu Liang" is clear and graceful, and its shortness is short.
"Gongyang" is sharp and elegant.
"Of course, this is just a family opinion.
"Zuo Zhuan" is an important document for studying the history of Pre-Qin and the Spring and Autumn Period. It represents the highest achievement of Pre-Qin historiography and has a great influence on later historiography, especially in establishing the status of chronicle history books. played a big role.
It supplements and enriches the content of "Spring and Autumn". It not only records the historical facts of Lu as a country, but also records the history of other countries; it not only records major political events, but also extensively involves "little things" in various fields of society; The historical recording method of "Spring and Autumn" was changed from a running account to a systematic and organized historical compilation method. It not only recorded the historical facts of the Spring and Autumn Period, but also quoted many ancient historical facts.
This greatly enhances the historical value of "Zuo Zhuan".