Reception of Alexander Herzen’s ‘My Past and Thoughts’ in China: Problems of Study and Influence

Abstract

The article delves into the unique reception of Alexander Herzen’s ‘My Past and Thoughts’ in Chinese literary studies. It is noted that this chronicle has received widespread recognition in China and continues to generate significant interest to this day. It analyzes the reasons, characteristics, and aspects of the Russian classic's influence on Chinese literature in different historical periods. It highlights that the reception of ‘My Past and Thoughts’ by Chinese readers and scholars is determined by two factors: the great value of the work itself and the fact that Herzen’s work met the needs of Chinese society in various historical periods. The article shows that the main feature of the reception of Herzen’s works by Chinese researchers has evolved from socio-political domination to cultural-aesthetic dominance. ‘My Past and Thoughts’ has influenced both the theory and practice of modern Chinese literature, and contemporary Chinese writers have created works inspired by Herzen's approach. For instance, Ba Jin wrote ‘Thoughts’ under the influence of Herzen’s work, while Yu Dafu developed a literary theory of memoirs inspired by it. The authors conclude that Herzen studies in China are pertinent and offer extensive prospects for further research.