How to define popular literature and serious literature

Serious literature and popular literature are two different types of literature. The main difference lies in the purpose and content of literature. The purpose of serious literature was to explore human thoughts, emotions, and social reality, revealing the nature of human beings and the meaning of life through in-depth description and rational thinking. Serious literature usually had profound thoughts and high literary value. The readers often needed to have a certain degree of cultural accomplishment and reading ability. On the other hand, popular literature was created to cater to the entertainment needs of readers. Its purpose was to attract the attention and interest of readers through vivid descriptions and humorous language. Popular literature was usually more difficult to read and had less literary value. The readers usually read it for entertainment. Serious literature and popular literature were very different in terms of literary form, subject matter, theme, style, and so on. Serious literature paid more attention to the quality and depth of literature, while popular literature paid more attention to the interest and legibility of reading.

The difference between serious literature and popular literature was usually in terms of literary form, content, and readership. Serious literature usually focused on the innovation and uniqueness of literary forms, such as writing style, plot, character creation, depth of thought, etc. It was aimed at expressing the author's thoughts and feelings about society, life, history, etc. through literary means. The readers of serious literature were usually more professional, had higher requirements for literary knowledge, and had a certain degree of cultural accomplishment. The popular literature emphasized on relaxed writing, humor, and easy-to-understand storylines, often with entertainment as the main purpose. The readership range is wider, including not only professional readers but also the general reader group. They pay more attention to the entertainment and legibility of reading. Therefore, the boundary between serious literature and popular literature was usually in terms of literary form, content, and reader groups. Serious literature focused on innovation and uniqueness, while popular literature focused on entertainment and a wider readership.

Ancient China literature, modern literature, and contemporary literature could be defined from different perspectives. In terms of time, ancient literature referred to literature from the pre-Qin period to the fall of the Qing Dynasty, including classic works such as the Book of Songs, the Book of History, the Book of Rites, and the Book of Changes, as well as ancient novels, operas, and other literary works. Modern literature referred to the modern literature from the end of the Qing Dynasty to the early 1980s, including the works of literary masters such as Lu Xun, Mao Dun, Lao She, Ba Jin, Cao Yu, and a large number of modern novels, poems, essays, and other literary works. The contemporary literature referred to the literature from the late 1980s to the present, including contemporary China literature. From the perspective of literary schools and styles, ancient literature could be divided into the Book of Songs, Chu Ci, Han Fu, Tang poetry, Song Ci, Yuan Qu, etc. Each school had its own unique literary characteristics. Modern literature can be divided into realism, modernism, symbolism, post-modernism and several other schools, each of which has its own unique literary characteristics. Modern literature could be divided into several schools, such as modern school, realism, modern school, symbolism, post-modern school, and so on. Each school had its own unique literary characteristics. From the perspective of the influence of literature on society, ancient literature mainly focused on politics, society, morality and other aspects. Modern literature paid more attention to reflecting social reality, revealing the dark side of society, discussing the fate of mankind and other topics. Ancient China literature, modern literature, and contemporary literature can be defined from different perspectives. Each period and genre has its own unique literary characteristics and social significance.

The relationship between popular literature and serious literature was not completely opposite. Although they were different in some ways, they also had many similarities. Popular literature usually paid more attention to the plot and the creation of characters, as well as the entertainment and entertainment of the readers. It was often presented in easy-to-understand language and form so that more people could read and understand it. On the other hand, serious literature focused more on the depth of thought, theme exploration, and literary value of literary works. It usually uses more professional and complex language and forms to more accurately express the author's intentions and ideas. Although popular literature and serious literature are different in form and content, they have many similarities. They exist to entertain and inspire readers, and they can be understood and accepted in different cultural and social backgrounds. Therefore, popular literature and serious literature are not completely opposite. They can complement each other and create a rich and colorful literary world together.

The division of popular literature and serious literature in the world famous works was usually based on the standards of literary value and artistic achievement. Popular literature usually refers to literary works that use easy-to-understand language, plots, and characters to spread ideas, reflect society, and satisfy the readers 'entertainment needs. The purpose is to attract and satisfy the readers' sensory and emotional needs. On the other hand, serious literature paid more attention to the ideology, artistry, and literary value of literary works. The purpose of its creation was usually to provide readers with more in-depth, complex, and thoughtful literary works to help readers better understand and understand the world.

Ancient Chinese literature referred to the literature forms in Chinese history, such as poetry, prose, novels, and operas. They originated from the pre-Qin period and developed to the peak of the Tang Dynasty. After that, they experienced the decline and reconstruction of many dynasties such as the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. They still had a wide and far-reaching influence until modern times. Ancient Chinese literature was featured by its variety, subject matter, and style. Among them, poetry, prose, and novels were the main representatives of ancient Chinese literature. The main works of ancient Chinese literature include poetry, prose, novels, and operas. Among them, poems express emotions and thoughts in the form of lyricism, narration, and discussion. Prose express the author's thoughts and views in the form of discussion, description, and lyricism. Fictions express the plot and characters in the form of description, narration, and discussion. The representative works of ancient Chinese literature include The Book of Songs, The Songs of Chu, The Analects of Confucius, Mencius, Tao Te Ching, Journey to the West, Dream of the Red Chamber, etc. These works not only have profound ideology and rich cultural content, but also have unique artistic charm and literary value, which have a profound impact on the inheritance and development of Chinese culture.

Lu Xun's works belonged to the category of serious literature. Serious literature was a relatively traditional, high-end literary form that emphasized literary theory, literary criticism, and literary value. The main purpose of serious literature is to show, not to cater to the public's taste. Lu Xun's works became one of the representatives of serious literature with its profound thoughts, unique style and outstanding literary value.