Chinese Literature

Most of the magazine is devoted to publication of creative writing in many forms and styles. The criterion applied to all original writing and literary criticism is general adherence to the principle of socialist realism.

Ever since the May Fourth Movement of 1919, when the progressive intellectual currents of the time became linked with the revolutionary movement of the rising Chinese proletariat, Chinese literature has been developing along this path, guided by working-class ways of thought. In 1942 at the Yenan forum on literature and art Mao Tse-tung specifically pointed out that the creative method of cur working-class writers must pe that of socialist realism. China’s new literature was thus given an impetus towards further development.

Since the birth of New China changes in political and economic conditions have been tremendous. The socialist factor in people’s lives is srowing and exerting an ever greater influence. Our writers have, by careful study and long practice, laid a sound foundation for their acceptance of socialist realism. This makes it possible, and necessary, for us to regard socialist realism as the highest standard for our entire literary creation and criticism, and as the goal towards which we all must strive together.

While insisting on the principle of socialist realism in general, Péople’s Literature, aS an important vehicle for bringing writers together, extends a welcome to all works that will benefit the people. The magazine helps all forward-looking, truly patriotic writers to turn gradually to socialist realism in their creative endeavours. Every writer’s life, experience, viewpoint and personal style are given due consideration. The magazine recognizes, and indeed welcomes, variety of style and form. It aims to help writers perfect their individual styles, by a process of mutual aid and emulation. The principle which Chairman Mao Tse-tung laid down for the reform of drama: “Let all flowers blossom in full glory,” also guides efforts to develop literature in New China. It goes without saying, however, that while permitting its writers freedom of expression and friendly competition of styles on its pages People’s Literature encourages and commends mature works which are ideologically sound and reflect real life adequately and fully.

Many writers took an active part in the armed revolutionary struggle of the Chinese people which led to the founding of the People’s Republic. They thus got an intimate knowledge of the people and events of those years of struggle. It is only natural, therefore, that more books are written on the theme of the revolutionary war than on any other. For instance, Liu Pai-yu’s Flames Ahead,* published in the very first two issues of People’s Literature, deals with the historic crossing of the Yangtse by the People’s Liberation Army. It gives a vivid, detailed and

* English translation published by the Foreign Languages Press, Peking.

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