新华左派诗歌研究(1965-1975) = A study of Chinese leftist poetry in Singapore (1965-1975)

Abstract

This thesis is a study of Chinese leftist poetry in Singapore from 1965 to 1975. During this period, the dominant way of literary expression, commonly known as a??New Realisma??, was targeted at echoing Mao Zedonga??s advocacy of literature that serves the proletariats, i.e. workers, peasants and soldiers. In this respect, poetry was regarded as a a??weapona??, an essential part of leftist literature. This thesis provides a detailed, critical analysis of the themes and artistic features of the leftist poetry, namely, the common images employed, the socio-political criticism of a??the othersa?? , the reflection on the life experience of the leftists, their firm belief in Singapore becoming a socialist society eventually, and the portrayal of the sufferings of the abused and the poor alongside of the poetsa?? attempt to instigate emotion for rebellion. As the pioneer of this subject, my research will be a significant contribution to future study of Chinese leftist literature in Singapore.