A Brief Discussion on the Russian and Soviet Literature Influence on the Chinese-ness of Modern Chinese Literature

This study examines the transformation of modern Chinese literary discourse following the May Fourth Movement’s repudiation of Confucianism, focusing on the substantial influence of Russian literature. Through the lens of Even-Zohar’s polysystem theory, it analyzes how Chinese intellectuals, particularly prominent translators like Lu Xun, Ba Jin, and Yu Dafu, assimilated Russian literary models during the formative stage of modern Chinese literature. The research demonstrates how the translation and adaptation of works by Chekhov, Turgenev, and Tolstoy led to the displacement of traditional Chinese characteristics by Russian literary elements in both form and creative conceptualization. Employing an indirect methodological approach, the study investigates the absence of Chinese-ness in modern literary texts through the interpretation of Russian influences, offering insights into the complex process of literary modernization in China.

Keywords: Modern Chinese Literature, Literary Polysystem, Russian Literature, Soviet Literature, Chineseness.