本文探討西漢文學思想的特質，以經典意識作為論說的地點，認為西漢文學思想的特點與經典意識的形成有莫大的關係。考察了經典意識形成之後有關文學創作和批評產生的變化。並且認為，文學理論是一種政治理論或哲學理論，其實質正是思想和權力衝突的體現。同時，也考察了與主流形態不一致的看法，如「賦心說」與「發憤著述」說等。

　　　　　This paper is concerned with the characteristics of literary thoughts in the Former Han. It first explores the classical ideas, holding that the characteristics of literary thoughts in the former Han are closely related to the formation of classical ideas. Under the influence of classical ideas, some transformation took place in writing and criticism, from which we learn that literary theory, as a political theory or philosophical theory, is a reflection of conflict between thought and power. A further survey is made about the ideas different from this main ideology such as Heart of Fu of Sima Xiangru, etc.