Abstract: Bian Zhilin, whose acceptance of Shakespeare proceeds from reading, translation and theatre-going to close reading, excellent translation and criticism, started as an exponent of the Soviet model of Shakespearean criticism under the influence of “leftist” ideology in the 1950s and 1960s but ended up rationally appraising Shakespeare in 1980s. His Shakespearean studies blend Marxism with modern Western Shakespearean studies, with special emphasis on historical materialism and dialectical materialism. He analyzes the typical environment and typical characters, appreciates the “Shakespearean standard”, conducts a class analysis of Shakespeare’s plays, highlights Shakespeare’s affinity to the people, explores the dilemma of humanism, consciously accepts some historical materials and resources from modern Western Shakespearean studies, and uses image analysis for reference while sublating the religious theory, the theory of human nature, the “historical school” and the “allusive school” from modern Western Shakespearean studies. Bian Zhilin’s strategy of “integrating” Marxism and western Shakespeare studies is to use Marxism as a world outlook and methodology, and western Shakespeare studies as an academic tool yo construct a system of Shakespeare studies with his own characteristics.
Key words: Bian Zhilin; Marxist Shakespearean studies; modern western Shakespearean studies
The Chinese version appeared in Journal of Henan University, (2021,11)