What was the difference between the old-school martial arts novels and the new-school martial arts novels?
The old-school martial arts novels and the new-school martial arts novels were both branches of Chinese martial arts novels, with their own unique literary styles and characteristics. The old-school martial arts novels referred to the martial arts novels written between the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China. The main characteristics of the martial arts novels were that they emphasized the traditional values of Jianghu grievances, loyalty, and heroes, and often described the Jianghu struggles and adventure stories between Jianghu people. The language of the old-school martial arts novels was concise, the plot was complicated, and the characters were full. It had the style of classical literature. The new school of martial arts novels refers to the martial arts novels created after the 1950s. The main characteristics of the martial arts novels are that they emphasize the emotional and psychological descriptions of the characters, pay attention to the conception and logic of the plot, and often use the techniques and language of modern literature. The story of the new martial arts novels was more complicated and the characters were more three-dimensional, with a stronger science fiction and reasoning. At the same time, the new martial arts novels also paid more attention to the discussion of human nature and the reflection of social reality. Generally speaking, the old martial arts novels and the new martial arts novels are different in literary style, narrative techniques and literary theme, but they are both important representatives of Chinese martial arts novels and have a profound impact on the history of Chinese literature.