A prelimary study of the xiao pin in the late Ming period(ca.1573-1644)

Abstract

The development of the xiao pin in the late Ming period (ca.1573-1644) could be explained by four reasons: the political background, the development of economy in the south, the new literary theories advocated and the social background changed.

There are different forms of the xiao pin in the late Ming period, such as diaries, biographies, travel accounts, essays, etc.. Mostly they are short compositions, yet they can express the genuine feelings of the writers.

The subject matters of the xiao pin in the late Ming period are mainly on natural scenery, interesting daily life, meaningless talking, the art of calligraphy and painting etc. in which the writers express their points of will different from the common people.

The xiao pin in the late Ming period has a characteristic of “genuine”(真), “Charm”(韻), “Interesting”(趣) which calls for an interesting reading and thinking.

Though scholars or readers have different assessments on the xiao pin in the late Ming period, yet, it unquestionably holds a place in the history of Chinese literature.

To let readers understand the different contents and characteristic of xiao pin in the late Ming period, nine compositions concerned are selected and attached at the end of the thesis.