Wang Ruoxu

A Jin dynasty literary critic who refused office after the fall of Jin; author of the Collected Works of Hunan Yilao.

Life

Jinshi and Hanlin academician

Wang Ruoxu was a native of Gaocheng and a jinshi graduate. He served as a compiler in the State History Office and as an academician of the Hanlin Academy, and took part in compiling the veritable records of Emperor Xuanzong of Jin.

Clear in words, sound in reasoning

He excelled at literary criticism, held that writing should be "clear in words, sound in reasoning," and opposed the pursuit of the strange and convoluted. He offered many critical analyses of earlier classics, histories, poetry and prose, with original insights.

Hunan Yilao

When the Jin dynasty fell in 1234, he refused to serve the Mongols and lived in seclusion in his hometown, styling himself Hunan Yilao ("Old Survivor of Hunan"); his collected writings were titled the Collected Works of Hunan Yilao. He died in 1243.

Legacy

Wang Ruoxu was one of the most important literary critics of the Jin dynasty, and his principle of being "clear in words, sound in reasoning" influenced literary style in the transition from Jin to Yuan.

Major works & achievements

• Collected Works of Hunan Yilao

Did you know? In his old age he climbed Mount Tai and died peacefully on the mountain.

Key dates

• 1196Passed the jinshi exam (approx.)
• 1220Became Hanlin Academician (approx.)
• 1234Lived in retirement after the fall of Jin, refusing office
• 1243Died