Four kinds of style
Traditional poetry is a rhythmic literary work. It expresses some strong feelings through the imagination and lyricism of poetry. Poetry is the oldest literary form, and China is one of the most developed countries in the world. From China's earliest collection of poems, the earliest lyric poem Li Sao, to Yuefu in Han Dynasty, to metrical poems in Tang and Song Dynasties, and then to ci, Yuanqu and new poems since the May 4th Movement, China's poems are unparalleled.
Prose is a literary form without strict rhythm and space restrictions. Contrary to verse, China's prose is developed from the prose of pre-Qin philosophers, and there are famous prose works. Among them, historical prose, fu style and recitation have far-reaching influence on later generations. China has been the most developed country in prose in the world since ancient times.
Drama is another ancient literary form. Mainly through the dialogue between different roles to express the author's thoughts and feelings. Drama can be used for stage performance and reading.
Novel is a comprehensive literary form with virtual world as its content. Traditionally, prose is the mainstay. Zhuangzi: The novel is decorated with Ganxianling. China's novels in the modern sense originated from the fables in the pre-Qin prose, matured through the notes of the late Han Dynasty and the Six Dynasties, and then spread to the novels represented by Four Jues and the short stories represented by Strange Tales from a Lonely Studio in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Western novels are called fiction. Novel is called prose epic, which is associated with myths and legends as a later literary form. Because of its huge capacity, it profoundly and comprehensively reflects the reality and people's thoughts, and has become one of the mainstream literary forms since modern times.