Literary Societies

Litterary societies have exsisted for mnay years throughout the history of China though they don't become extremely promenaent until the ming dydnasty.

What is a Literary Society

A literary society is a group of people interested in literature. In the modern sense, this refers to a society that wants to promote one genre of literature or a specific writer. Modern literary societies typically promote, research about their chosen author or genre, publish newsletters, and hold meetings where research findings can be presented and discussed. Some are more academic and scholarly, while others are more social groups of amateurs who appreciate a chance to discuss their favorite writer with other hobbyists.

Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

Gongan (associated or derived from the Putao she) and Jingling schools Yuan Zongdao Yuan Hongdao (1568-1610) Yuan Zhongdao in criticizing those scholars who imitated classical writings blindly.

Representative figures of the Gong'an School are Yuan Zongdao, Yuan Hongdao and Yuan Zhongdao. Yuan Hongdao (1568-1610) is the most famous of the three. The Gong'an School believed that different times have different literature, and objected to the ways the Classical Revival Movement blindly elevated ancient literature and debased current literature. Prose created by the Gong'an School broke the yoke of conventional patterns and developed its own individuality. The language in their prose is simple and plain.

Existing simultaneously with the Gong'an School was also the Jingling School, represented by Zhong Xing and Tan Yuanchun. Like the Gong'an School, the Jingling School also laid claim to expressing the natural character and intelligence of humanity.

Jingling Zhong Xing Tan Yuanchun

Jiangxi School associated with the followers of Huang Tingjian Huang Tingjian (Chinese: 黄庭堅) (1045–1105) was a Chinese artist. He is predominantly known as a calligrapher, but was also admired for his painting and poetry. He was one of the Four masters of the Song Dynasty, and was a student of Su Shi at his school of literati painting. Huang is generally regarded as the finest and most creative calligrapher of the Song Dynasty. His xingshu displays a sharpness and aggression which is instantly recognisable to the student of Chinese calligraphy.

THE CAPITAL Bright are the city walls of the capital; Red-robed officials shout on broad streets. There is a white-headed destitute scholar; Hanging from his mule's saddle, sheaves of poems. Clasping his calling card, he knocks on doors for work; The gate keepers smirk at one another. Ten try and ten fail; Walk the streets, his face is haggard. Always fear in serving the rich; Sorry your flattery isn't quick enough. Over an eye a black eyepatch; Half blind, the fellow is old!

A STRANGE PRIEST Bought his mantle to escape draft and taxes; Now he's the head priest amid his splendor. Recites incantations, but sounds like a bird; Writes Sanscrit that looks like twisted weeds. With his begging bowl he distributes food of the spirit; On his seat he faces the lamp of Buddha; If you don't devote you whole body and soul, How can there be anywhere Buddhism at all?