루쉰의 시인상과 시 — ＜摩羅詩力說＞을 중심으로

Abstract

This paper focuses on On the Power of Mara Poetry(≪摩罗诗力说≫), written by Lu Xun during his study in Japan in 1907, to explore the characteristics of his literary views. Simultaneously, by examining the spiritual world of Western Romantic poets and the features of classical Chinese poetry discussed in the text, it aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Lu Xun’s early literary perspective. On the Power of Mara Poetry(≪摩罗诗力说≫), hailed as the manifesto of Chinese Romanticism, articulates Lu Xun’s poetic insights through the lens of rebellious and revolutionary poets, who embody the core of Romantic literature. The spiritual world of Western Romantic poets discussed in the text serves, on a micro level, as an indirect expression of Lu Xun’s own literary views, and on a macro level, as a manifestation of revolutionary and rebellious fervor aimed at revitalizing the stagnant Chinese civilization. In other words, it is a declaration of self-will born from resonance with the revolutionary and rebellious spirit of Western Romantic poets. Throughout Lu Xun’s literary career, the spiritual world and revolutionary defiance of Western Romantic poets as presented in On the Power of Mara Poetry(≪摩罗诗力说≫) also reflect the true portrayal of his life. Notably, while Lu Xun uses this text to elucidate the duties and missions of poets, it can conversely be interpreted as a lament for the diminishing role and necessity of such poets in Chinese society, or for society’s failure to assign them such roles and missions. Isaiah Berlin once remarked, “Until the mid-18th century, for at least two millennia or longer, the ancient traditions, specific attitudes, and beliefs at the core of all Western thought seemed to suffer a severe blow under the impact of Romanticism.” He pointed out that Romanticism’s challenge to the traditional core of Western thought, along with its attitudes and beliefs, gave rise to concepts such as the relativity of truth, the incompatibility of values, and the plurality and incompleteness of answers and structures to problems. In short, the Western Romantic movement was a vehement rebellion against any form of universality. From this, we can infer the reason for the young Lu Xun’s fascination with Romanticism: his intent to shift Chinese society’s focus from the superficial material aspects and majority-oriented concerns of Western civilization to the inner dimensions represented by spirit and individuality, thereby driving fundamental change—namely, a spiritual revolution. At the same time, it aimed to thoroughly transform Chinese literature, which, though solemn, sublime, and grand, had become disconnected from contemporary realities. It is in this sense that Lu Xun’s pursuit of “spiritual warriors” aligns closely with the spirit of Romantic literature. This paper also focuses on this alignment, examining the characteristics of On the Power of Mara Poetry(≪摩罗诗力说≫) and Lu Xun’s classical poetry.