Biji (Chinese: 筆記) is a special literary genre in classical Chinese literature. Literally "notebook" or "written notes".[1][2] There is no strict writing mode for biji,[3] it is a literary form mainly based on recording personal insights, experiences, miscellaneous sensations, and trifles, and it is known for its characteristics of scattered notes and trivial records. A book of biji can contain stories, anecdotes, quotations, random musings, philological speculations, literary criticism and indeed everything that the author deems worth recording.
Genre and evolution edit
The genre first appeared during the Wei and Jin dynasties, and matured during the Tang dynasty. The Wei, Jin, Northern and Southern Dynasties was a period of political division in Chinese history, and also an era of flourishing culture and art. During this time gave rise to various literary genres, including biji. The biji of that period of time mostly contains the believe-it-or-not kind of anecdotes, and many of them can be treated as collections of short fictions. To differentiate this kind of "biji fiction" from the general biji, the former is later called biji xiaoshuo (筆記小說 "notebook fictions").
Biji emerged as an independent literary genre during the Southern Dynasties (420 to 589) and underwent further refinement during the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907).[3] In addition, the Song Dynasty, known for its extended period of peace in Chinese history, saw stable social and economic development. This stability contributed to a prosperous environment, fostering the flourishing of biji literature during the dynasty's reign from 960 to 1279.[3] Historiographic themes hold significant importance in the biji text of the Song dynasty. Therefore, they serve as crucial resources for the study of Song history. Many works of which adopting an "item-by-item style and stipulated no further rules for the size, structure, or mutual relations of these items", and continued to flourish during the later dynasties up until the end of the 19th century.[1] According to Ronald Egan, the biji as a genre "served as an alternative to the classical commentary and the formal essay" in traditional Chinese letters and allowed writers to record their reflections or scholarly insights freely.[2]
Biji works of the Ming and Qing dynasties shifted focus towards critiquing and reflecting on social realities, highlighting societal shortcomings and revealing the complexities of human nature. The authors demonstrated a deep understanding of the social landscape and human behaviour. The development of modern biji literature has brought forth new characteristics. With deeper literary inquiry, scholars have re-evaluated and explored biji literature, highlighting its artistic and innovative qualities.[4] Contemporary literary criticism emphasizes the analysis and assessment of literary forms and techniques, encouraging present-day writers to infuse their works with contemporary life experiences and ideological perspectives while drawing from tradition to produce innovative pieces. These endeavours carry forward the tradition of biji literature, embodying the spirit of the times through their unique characteristics and innovative approaches.
Characteristics and Style edit
Influence and Legacy edit
Notable works edit
- Miscellaneous Morsels from Youyang (酉陽雜俎 Yǒuyáng Zázǔ), by Duan Chengshi, Tang dynasty
- Dream Pool Essays (夢溪筆談 Mèngxī Bǐtán) by Shen Kua, Song dynasty
- Notebooks from the Rong Study (容齋隨筆 Róngzhāi Suíbǐ) by Hong Mai, Song dynasty
- Little Notes on the Nature of Things (物理小識 Wùlǐ Xiǎoshí) by Fang Yizhi, Ming dynasty
- Notes of the Thatched Abode of Close Observations (閱微草堂筆記 Yuèwēi Cǎotáng Bǐjì) by Ji Yun, Qing dynasty
- A New Account of the Tales of the World (世说新语 Shìshuō Xīnyü) by Liu Yiqing, Northern and Southern dynasty
Criticism and Studies edit
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b Zuo, Ya (2018). Shen Gua's Empiricism. Harvard University Asia Center. pp. 173–174. ISBN 978-0-674-98711-1.
- ^ a b Qian, Zhongshu (1998). "Introduction". Limited Views: Essays on Ideas and Letters. Translated by Ronald, Egan. Harvard University Asia Center. p. 12. ISBN 978-0-674-53411-7.
- ^ a b c Theobald, Ulrich. "biji 筆記 (www.chinaknowledge.de)". www.chinaknowledge.de. Retrieved 2024-05-08.
- ^ Drayton, David (2015). Staying alive : a contemporary rejuvenation of the Biji (Thesis thesis).
 | This Chinese literature-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |