New literature refers to the vernacular literature that has been anti-imperialist and anti-feudal since the May 4th Movement. Comprehensive innovation in techniques created a new situation in which various schools competed with each other. From then on, new literature in the modern sense was established. New literature has made great achievements in novels, poetry, prose, drama and other fields, and a large number of outstanding writers have emerged. The rise of left-wing literature and art in the 1930s promoted the in-depth development of new literature, and the connection between literature and the people and the times was further strengthened; in a period of national crisis, writers shared the fate of the country and the nation, and created many works that were welcomed by the people. , an excellent work with strong appeal. In the 1940s, the literature in the liberated areas, which was characterized by the expression of new ideas, new characters and new life, complemented the literary creation in the Kuomintang-controlled areas that exposed darkness and yearned for democracy and freedom. The convergence of the two provided a great foundation for the literary cause of New China. A solid foundation was laid. The emergence and development of new literature adapt to the needs of modern social changes. It promotes social progress and creates its own glory.
Old literature is classical literature that is opposite to the type of literature advocated by the New Culture Movement. Classical literature generally refers to the ancient literary works of various ethnic groups. It is a part of literature and the basis for the development of modern literature. It serves as a link between past and present and is an indispensable part in the history of literary development. It is the most fundamental thing in Chinese literature. The so-called classical literature now refers specifically to excellent ancient literary works that have a certain value. "Classical" means "first-class, model" in Latin. During the European Renaissance, literary theorists took the excellent works of ancient Greece and Rome as models, which they called classical literature. In China, the original songs and myths and legends handed down from ancient times to the large number of literary works of certain value before the May Fourth Movement are called classical literature.
The difference between old literature and new literature:
1. Different times reflect different cultural demands
2. Old literature is in the form of ancient poetry and classical Chinese. Mainly, new literature vigorously promotes vernacular writing
3. Most of the old literature is extremely euphemistic and obscure, while the new literature is passionate and surging, expressing the theme more directly and pungently, expressing more patriotic feelings and the connection with the old society, old ideas and old culture Struggle
New and old literature are both different and interdependent. It is necessary to develop new literature while inheriting old traditions, and to reach the peak of literature through continuous exploration.