Theoretical Dialogue between Li Yu and Western Drama

This thesis can be divided into four parts.Firstly,Li Yus theory of ‘Structure’ is different from that of Aristotle.What should be emphasized here is the distinction between Li Yus ‘one event’and Aristotlee.It thus corrects the improper comparison that has lasted for more than on decade in China.Secondly,Li Yus theory of ‘Kehun’(Buffoonery) is a mirror that can reflect the weakness of Western dramatic theory.The thesis takes the example of ‘Shakespearian Criticism’ to expound that Western dramatic critics ignored the value of ‘Kehun’.So Li Yus theory of ‘Kehun’ can also compensate for the weakness of the western dramatic theory. Thirdly, Li Yus theory of ‘Practicism’ is 250 years earlier than that of Stanislavski,who has been cited alone in this reagard. However,Li Yus dramatic theory,including that expressed in his novels,is demonstrated to have a system of its own ‘Practicism’. Fourthly, both ‘Artpoétique’(1674) by Boileau and ‘Xian Qing Ou Ji’(1671) by Li yu are the influential dramatic words written in 17th centry;moreover,both were ‘eulogist’ and catered to the tendency of history. But regrettably in China, some scholare (including Lu Xun) condemnted Li Yu.