明代科举试表的文学性考察

On the Literariness of Biao in Ming Dynasty's Imperial Examination

明代二场试表是整个科举体制中最富文学色彩的环节。它是明代多数考生的首选文体,使同场的诏、诰形同虚设,根源在于其四六形式更契合该科的文学功能。从明初到晚明,它遵从了一个不断文学化的进程,师法对象日趋多元。万历以后,复合型命题增多,对考生的文学才能提出了更高的要求;但在崇祯时期内忧外患的现实压力下,试表的文学属性最终退居其次。

Biao was the most literary subject of Ming dynasty’s imperial examinations. Written in antithetic verse, it came out to be the first choice of most Ming examinees rather than Zhao and Gao, which existed in name only. From the Early period to the Late of Ming dynasty, it kept going through a literary-enhanced progress, learning from more and more different idols. After Wanli Reign of Ming Dynasty, the examination became growing complex and required a higher demand on the part of the examinees. But under the pressure of domestic strife and foreign aggression in Chongzhen Reign, Biao’s literariness was reduced to a lower rank.