Primitivism as a Western philosophic school used to exercise great influence on, so became one of the leading ideological sources of Chinese modern literature. Manifestations of primitivism in Chinese modern literature include the following five trends, that is, historical primitivism, pastoral primitivism, patriarchal primitivism, heroic primitivism and cultural primitivism. Above all, primitivism in modern Chinese literature is enlightening, whose aim is to reestablish national character and remake Chinese culture.

modern Chinese literature; primitivism; the wild; enlightenment; national character