(1) One of social ideologies. In ancient times, both at home and abroad, all books and documents written in words were collectively called literature
related books
ology. Modern art specifically refers to the art of using language and words to create images to reflect social life and express thoughts and feelings, so it is also called "language art". During the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties in China, literature was once divided into two categories: verse and prose. In modern times, it is usually divided into poetry, prose, novels, drama, film and television literature and other genres. There are many styles in various genres.
(2) One of the four subjects of Confucius. "The Analects of Confucius·Advanced": "Literature, Ziyou and Zixia." "Song Book·Lei Cizong Biography": "Shang pays close attention to art, so Danyang Yin He Shangzhi establishes metaphysics, the crown prince leads He Chengtian to establish history, and Situ joins the army and Xie Yuan establishes literature."
(3) Refers to the cultivation of rhetoric. . Yuan Jie's "Preface to the Ode to the Zhongxing of the Tang Dynasty": "Who else should do this unless he is experienced in literature?"
(4) Official name. In the Han Dynasty, it was placed in prefectures, counties and kingdoms, and was sometimes called "Literary Affairs" or "Literary History", which was the origin of the instructors in later generations. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty specially set up the subject of "virtuous literature" for the purpose of selecting talents. Each county recommended talents to take the exam in Beijing. Those recommended were called "virtuous literature". "Xianliang" refers to people with good moral character and high moral standards; "literary" refers to people who are proficient in Confucian classics. After the Wei and Jin Dynasties, it was known as "Literary Engagement". In the Tang Dynasty, "doctors" were set up in prefectures and counties. During Dezong's reign, it was renamed "literary". Princes and other kings also had "doctors". The Ming and Qing Dynasties were abolished.