“Youth” and its Growth Game in Chinese Male Frequency Network Fairy Novels

Abstract

To a certain extent, the “youth” in Chinese male network fairy novels carries the author’s deep thinking on the themes of freedom, courage, growth, etc. However, in order to cater to readers’ consumption of fun games, the growth of “youth” is often simplified into a game mode relying on external “upgrading”, which will inevitably lead to more gamified, stereotypical and superficial novels. Furthermore, it may lose its literary criticism value which is dominated by critical reason.