The following is a detailed interpretation of Lu Xun's evaluation of "Historical Records" as "the swan song of the historian, the "Lisao" without rhyme":
1. Lu Xun's overall evaluation of "Historical Records".
Lu Xun used "the swan song of historians" to describe "Historical Records", which is the highest praise for Sima Qian and "Historical Records". The word "swan song" means that there are no ancients before and no one after them, representing Sima Qian's outstanding position in the field of historiography and the extreme value of "Historical Records". In Lu Xun's view, "Historical Records" is not only a work that records the history of 3,000 years from ancient times to Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, but also a crystallization of Sima Qian's life's work and wisdom.
2. Lu Xun's evaluation of the historiographical achievements of the "Records of the Historians".
Rigorous and realistic attitude towards history: Lu Xun praised Sima Qian's rigorous and realistic attitude towards history when he wrote the "Records of the Historians". In the process of writing, Sima Qian collected a wide range of historical materials, conducted in-depth and detailed research and verification of historical events and figures, and strived to restore the true face of history.
A historical vision of the changes of the past and the presentSima Qian's "Records of the Historians" shows a historical vision of the changes through the past and the present, and he not only pays attention to the historical events and characters themselves, but also pays more attention to revealing the essence and laws of society from the development and changes of history. Lu Xun believes that this kind of historical vision is one of the important reasons why "Historical Records" has become a "swan song".
A human-centred view of historyWhen recording history, "Records of the Historians" always regards people as the main body and core of history, and pays attention to people's fate and human nature. Lu Xun believes that this people-oriented view of history makes "Historical Records" closer to the hearts of the people and more resonant and thinking of readers.
3. Lu Xun's evaluation of the literary contribution of the "Historical Records".
The praise of "Lisao" without rhyme: Lu Xun used "the rhymeless "Lisao" to describe "The Records of the Historians", which means that the "Records of the Historians" has a value comparable to that of "The Legends" in literature. Lisao is a masterpiece of romantic poetry in the history of ancient Chinese literature, and Lu Xun believes that the Records of the Historian also has high literary achievements in terms of narrative, character building, and ideological expression.
Vivid and expressive character depictions: The characters in "Historical Records" are vivid and distinctive. Through his vivid depictions, Sima Qian brought these historical figures to life and left a deep impression on the readers. Lu Xun believed that this artistic technique of character depiction was one of the important contributions of the Historical Records in literature.
Profound ideological connotation: "Historical Records" is not only a historical work, but also a literary work full of profound ideological connotations. While recording history, Sima Qian also expressed his profound thoughts and insights on life, society, and culture. These ideological connotations make the "Records of the Historian" have value and significance that transcend time and space.
4. Lu Xun's evaluation of the influence and significance of the "Historical Records".
Lu Xun believes that as a dual classic of ancient Chinese historiography and literature, the "Records of the Historians" has had a profound impact and significance on later generations. It not only provides valuable materials for future generations to study history, but also sets a model for future generations to govern history and literature. At the same time, the ideological connotation and humanistic spirit in the "Records of the Historians" also inspire future generations to continue to pursue truth, explore the unknown, and pay attention to social reality and the meaning of life. In Lu Xun's view, "Historical Records" is a great work that will always be worthy of study and research by future generations.