Hu Shi

Definition

Hu Shi was a prominent Chinese philosopher, essayist, and reformer who played a key role in the promotion of vernacular literature and language reform in early 20th century China. His advocacy for using everyday language in literature was pivotal in the literary revolution that sought to modernize Chinese literature, making it more accessible and relatable to the general public.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hu Shi was a key figure in the New Culture Movement, advocating for the use of vernacular Chinese to make literature more accessible to ordinary people.
2. He published numerous essays and works promoting language reform, emphasizing that writing should reflect the way people actually spoke.
3. Hu Shi's ideas were instrumental in shifting literary styles from classical Chinese to modern vernacular, paving the way for writers like Lu Xun.
4. He believed that education reform was essential for China's modernization, advocating for more practical and scientific approaches to learning.
5. Hu Shi also contributed to the founding of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and played a significant role in promoting liberal arts education in China.

Review Questions

• How did Hu Shi contribute to the development of vernacular literature in early 20th century China?
  • Hu Shi was a significant advocate for vernacular literature, promoting the idea that literature should be written in the everyday language spoken by people. He argued that using vernacular Chinese would make literary works more relatable and accessible, thus encouraging broader public engagement with literature. His efforts were part of a larger literary revolution that aimed to modernize Chinese literature and break free from the constraints of classical forms.
• Discuss how Hu Shi's philosophy influenced the New Culture Movement and its rejection of traditional Confucian values.
  • Hu Shi's philosophy was a cornerstone of the New Culture Movement, which sought to challenge traditional Confucian values that had dominated Chinese society for centuries. By promoting vernacular literature and advocating for scientific thinking and individualism, Hu Shi encouraged a cultural shift towards modernization. This rejection of Confucian ideals was reflected in various aspects of society, including education, politics, and gender roles, fostering a climate ripe for change.
• Evaluate Hu Shi's impact on modern Chinese literature and culture in light of his language reform initiatives.
  • Hu Shi's impact on modern Chinese literature and culture was profound due to his advocacy for language reform initiatives. By promoting the use of vernacular Chinese, he not only made literature more accessible but also laid the groundwork for future literary movements. His ideas inspired many writers who followed, including Lu Xun, leading to a flourishing of modern literary expression that reflected contemporary societal issues. This shift not only changed how literature was produced but also influenced cultural identity in a rapidly modernizing China.

Related terms

Vernacular Literature: Literature written in the common spoken language of a region, as opposed to classical or formal language, making it more accessible to a wider audience.

New Culture Movement: A cultural and intellectual revolution in the early 20th century that promoted modernization and challenged traditional Confucian values, emphasizing science, democracy, and individualism.

Literary Revolution: A movement that advocated for the use of vernacular Chinese in literature, aiming to democratize literature and break away from classical forms and styles.