Critical discourse plays a vital role in enhancing literary comprehension. However, critical discourse research, spanning ancient to contemporary literature, frequently falls short by confining itself to narrow viewpoints, neglecting a comprehensive exploration of characteristics and commonalities. To bridge the critical discourse between ancient and modern literature, this study conducts an in-depth study of literary continuity by defining the structure and characteristics of discourse theory in ancient and contemporary literary criticism, comparing and analysing the common elements of the two, and exploring the future inspiration for the development of literary criticism from a unified perspective. In practical terms, literary criticism must innovate the critical discourse of contemporary literature while honouring the discourse framework of ancient literary criticism, and delving into the profound social meanings and values embedded within diverse works.
Muyi Yu received a Ph.D. in ancient Chinese literary theory and is currently a lecturer at the School of Humanities, Central South University. Her main research directions are the study of ancient Chinese literary theory and cultural keywords, as well as the study of classical aesthetic categories and propositions. She has edited multiple textbooks and books on ancient Chinese literature and participated in five projects including the National Social Science Foundation Major Project, the National Social Science Commission General Project, and the Ministry of Education Youth Fund Project. E-mail: wdymy@foxmail.com