Some Features of Literature of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Ancient Chinese Literature

Abstract

The Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties inherited and promoted Chinese literature of previous dynasties, developed many types of novels that emerged many classic works. Literary composition of the Ming dynasty was heavily influenced by economic forms. Prominent works of literature of the Ming Dynasty include Sanguo Yanyi (the Romance of the Three Kingdoms), Xi You Ji (Journey to the West), and Jinpingmei. By the Qing Dynasty, writers and merchants had a connection that made commercial culture comprehensively affect the development of literature, including typical works such as Liaozhai Zhiyi (Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio), Honglou Meng (The Dream of Red Mansions). The literature of the two dynasties of the Ming and Qing dynasties has much in common in terms of genre of novels, groups of writers and merchants, and is the basis of practice and theoretical of narratives of Chinese novels later on.