OLD AND NEW CULTURAL CONFIDENCE AND THE RECONSTRUCTION OF TRADITIONAL CULTURE BEFORE AND AFTER THE MAY FOURTH MOVEMENT IN CHINA

Abstract

The New Culture Movement, particularly the May Fourth Movement in China, is known for its modernist spirit and advocacy for new literature. However, this focus on modernism often overlooks the continued relevance of traditional literature. This research explores the cultural tension between old and new literary movements during and after the May Fourth period. It highlights that both movements were driven by a strong sense of cultural confidence, as each sought to validate the ongoing importance of their respective traditions. The purpose of this study is to provide a nuanced understanding of the evolution of Chinese literature in the early 20th century, specifically focusing on how traditional culture continued to develop alongside new literary forms. The research addresses the problem of how traditional literary styles, particularly old-style poetry, not only survived but flourished despite the prominence of new literature, offering insights into broader cultural reconstruction efforts during that era.

The research uses historical and literary analysis, focusing on published collections of old poems from China and overseas. It demonstrates that the old literary forms were resilient, continuing to grow even as new cultural movements surged.

The study concludes that the old and new literary movements were not completely opposed. Instead, both contributed to the reconstruction of traditional culture, showing that the May Fourth Movement was not solely about rejecting tradition. Rather, it engaged in a dialogue between old and new cultural forces, each confident in its societal role. Theoretically, the research contributes to a reevaluation of the May Fourth Movement’s impact on Chinese culture. Practically, it underscores the importance of cultural continuity and heritage preservation in modernization, providing lessons for cultural policy today.