The Influence of Existentialism on Chinese Science Fiction Literature
Abstract
Existentialist philosophy has exerted a profound and extensive influence on contemporary society, extending its impact beyond the domain of philosophy to significantly shape the arts, including literature and cinema. This paper adopts existentialist theory as its primary analytical framework, employing methodologies such as textual analysis and comparative research to provide a concise examination of how existentialist concepts and perspectives, notably those pertaining to “Absolute Freedom,” “The Others,” “Absurdism,” and “Humanism,” have influenced and integrated with Chinese science fiction novels. The primary objective of this research study is to delve into a selection of recent Chinese science fiction novels that have garnered prestigious awards and exhibited significant international influence. Through a thorough examination of the works authored by these award-winning writers, this research seeks to elucidate the overarching traits and thematic elements within Chinese science fiction that have been influenced by existentialist philosophies. This research endeavor not only offers an avenue for delving into the philosophical underpinnings that inform Chinese science fiction but also provides a scholarly lens through which we may attain a more profound comprehension of the humanitarian essence that permeates these literary works.
References
- Langford M K. The Concept of Freedom in Surrealism, Existentialism, and Science Fiction. Extrapolation, 1985, 26(3): 249.
- Renwei Dong. “Zhongguo Kehuan Dashiji Zhiyi (1891-2017) [One of China’s Science Fiction Chronicles (1891-2017)].” China Writers Network, Chinese Writers Association, 13 Mar. 2017, http://www.chinawriter.com.cn/n1/2017/0313/c404079-29141543.html?from=groupmessage&isappinstalled=0.
- Hongwei Li. “Guowang Yu Zanmeishi [The King and the Lyricist].”CITIC Publishing Group ,2017.
- McGuigan, Jim. “The literary sociology of Sartre.” The Sociological Review,25.1_suppl (1977): 163-180.
- Sartre, Jean-Paul. “Being and nothingness.” Central Works of Philosophy v4: Twentieth Century: Moore to Popper 4 (2015): 155.
- Cixin Liu, “Santi: Heian Senlin [The Three Body Problem:Dark Forest], Chongqing Publishing House, 2008.
- Dahlstrom, Daniel O. The Heidegger Dictionary. London:Bloomsbury Publishing.2013.
- Sartre, J. P. , A. Cohen-Solal , and A. Elkam-Sartre . “Existentialism is a humanism.” Lexistentialisme Est Un Humanisme (2007).
- Zhiyan Wang . Kehuan Xiaoshuo “Fusuren” : Xiangxiang 500 Nianhou De Meili Xinshijie [Science fiction novel “The Resuscitator”: Imagining a “Beautiful New World” 500 Years Later] .Xinhuanet . Xinhua Network Co., Ltd. http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2021-11/04/c_1211433215.htm.