Jianshe de wenxue geming

essay by Hu Shih

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June 24, 2026

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Hu Shih's essay "Jianshe de wenxue geming" (Constructive Literary Revolution) was a pivotal part of the May Fourth Movement in China. Published in 1918, it advocated for a literary renaissance by promoting the use of the vernacular language (guoyu) instead of classical Chinese for writing literature. This movement aimed to modernize Chinese culture and society by making literature accessible to the masses and enabling the expression of new ideas. Hu Shih, influenced by American pragmatism, emphasized a rational, evidence-based approach to reform, contrasting with more radical political ideologies. The literary revolution he championed was instrumental in shaping modern Chinese literary traditions.12

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Chinese literature
May Fourth period
…a second article (1918), “Jianshe de wenxue geming” (“Constructive Literary Revolution”), in which he spelled out his formula for a “literary renaissance.”
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…a second article (1918), “Jianshe de wenxue geming” (“Constructive Literary Revolution”), in which he spelled out his formula for a “literary renaissance.”
Read More