The Association of Literature During the May Fourth Era and the Molding of the Concept of the Childhood in Modern China

• Main Authors: Hsiao-wen Kao, 高小雯
• Other Authors: none
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2006
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/84855193922999293973

碩士 === 東吳大學 === 歷史學系 === 94 === The article is to explore the history of children in modern China. During May Fourth Era period, we can easily find the differences between traditional and modern times. And also, by choosing the literature study association〈文學研究會〉which was the most important literature group during that period, we can observe the processes of molding concept of childhood n in China. First, we will focus on the movement of children’s literature hold by the literature study association〈文學研究會〉. The concept of childhood of the members of literature study association can be realized via studying the theory of fairy tales or stories for children built by their members during the May Fourth Era period or by doing the actual translating and introducing processes. Furthermore, we will discuss the contemporary concept of childhood that the members played and influence on the society and country. Second, because the association of literature study〈文學研究會〉 is a literary group which advocates the new literature movement. The members have a lot of new literary creations. We will realize the concept of childhood which is concealed from these new literary creations, like poetry, prose, fictions, and caricatures. In addition, we will confer with the image of childhood that is in the members’ minds and observe the members’ perspective on child’s nature via the literary creations. Finally, we will depend on the concept of childhood that is formed by the members of literature study group〈文學研究會〉to further understanding the members’ point of view about citizens. Basically, we will study from the side of children. On the one hand, we will choose some works of childhood literature which were created by the members and are the most representative at the May Fourth children’s literature movement. By discussing with text of children’s literature, we will realize authors’ ideologies that they want to instill into children and understand the members’ point of view about citizens. On the other hand, we will realize their point of view about citizens from their educational attitude, for example, the educational concept and attitude. According to these values and concepts which are formed by the members, we could describe possibly the process of the transformation of children’s conceptions and then we can understand totally the contemporary concept of childhood in China.