1. Proposition: The May 4th "Literary Revolution" movement advocated the use of vernacular Chinese instead of classical Chinese, which conformed to the historical trend. Hu Shi's Literary Improvement is a classic, but it also has some limitations. For example, Hu Shi's "eight noes" still focus on the "improvement" of literary forms.
2. Origin: The real initiator of the May 4th literary revolution should be Mr. Chen Duxiu. 19 17 In On the Literary Revolution published by New Youth in February, the famous three principles were put forward, which linked the form and content of literature, which is what we are familiar with now: knocking down polished aristocratic literature and establishing simple and lyrical national literature; Pushing down obsolete and luxurious classical literature and building fresh and sincere national literature; Pushing down pedantic mountain literature and constructing clear and popular social literature. Although it is not comprehensive enough, it also reflects an important aspect of the democratic enlightenment spirit of the May 4th literary revolution.
3. Development: With the outbreak of Russian October Revolution and the spread of Marxism in China, various cultural trends of thought set off a storm in China. In What is New Literature, Li Dazhao proposed that it should be "literature of social realism", "with profound thoughts, theories, firm beliefs, beautiful literature and art, and the spirit of fraternity". Mr. Lu Xun pointed out, "So, in my opinion, the first thing is to instill appropriate academic documents and improve our thinking."
4. Impact: The specific impact also needs to be discussed separately:
(1) Publicity of rational spirit: sober realistic rational critical consciousness, exploration and reflection on social life.
(2) Sentimental symbol of the times: so-called "hesitation", so-called awakening, no way out. Therefore, writers in the May 4th literary period often express their depressed, hesitant and sentimental feelings in their works.
(3) Outstanding personality pursuit: This era can be regarded as the most prominent period of "individual", with the most remarkable achievements in prose essays.
(4) Various creative forms: realism, romanticism and symbolism; Drama, prose, crescent poetry, etc.
In short, the May 4th Movement promoted the opposition to old literature and the establishment of new literature to varying degrees. Since then, vernacular literature has opened up a new era of modern literature in various forms with its unstoppable momentum.
5. Meaning: Arouse people's consciousness. From the May 4th literary revolution to today, although the times have changed and the aesthetic pursuit of literature has also undergone great changes, China modern literature has indeed inherited and developed the excellent tradition advocated since the May 4th movement. Mr. Lu Xun once predicted: "At the beginning of a country's establishment, it will be in an invincible position and stand alone in the world." Only when contemporary literature never forgets the mission of "creating the third era that has never been seen in China's history" can it best inherit the spirit of the May 4th Movement.