Classical Prose Movement

The Classical Prose Movement (Chinese: 古文運動; pinyin: gǔwén yùndòng), which emerged during Tang dynasty and the Song dynasty in China, advocated for clarity and precision in writing, as opposed to the florid pianwen (駢體文) or parallel prose style that had dominated since the Han dynasty. Parallel prose, characterized by rigid structure and ornate embellishments, was criticized for prioritizing form over substance. The movement sought to revive the spirit of pre-Han prose, emphasizing effective communication and argumentation over rhetorical flourish.

The movement gained momentum in the ninth century under Han Yu and Liu Zongyuan, who championed prose as a vehicle for expressing Confucian ideals and addressing contemporary political and social issues. They promoted a writing style that was direct, expressive, and rooted in classical texts, while also incorporating elements of colloquial language for accessibility. Although the movement briefly declined in the late Tang, it was revitalized in the Song dynasty by reform-minded scholar-officials such as Fan Zhongyan, Ouyang Xiu, and Su Shi. Their efforts reinforced the role of classical prose in statecraft and Confucian education, influencing the civil service examinations and shaping literary traditions that persisted until the Qing dynasty.

The movement also had political and religious dimensions, as Confucian scholars tried to combat the influence of Taoism and Buddhism at the imperial court and among the commoners. Some reformers used classical prose as a tool to expose corruption and advocate for administrative improvements. The most distinguished writers of the Classical Prose Movement became known as the Eight Masters of the Tang and Song,whose works left a lasting impact on Chinese literary history.