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B2 noun 10 min read

尽管如此

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Examples 尽管如此 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 尽管如此 in your Level:
At the A1 level, '尽管如此' (jǐnguǎn rúcǐ) might seem a bit long, but you can think of it as a very strong way to say 'but.' Normally, you use '但是' (dànshì) for 'but.' However, if you want to say 'Even though this is true, I still do this,' you use '尽管如此.' Imagine you are telling a friend: 'It is cold. Despite this, I want ice cream.' In Chinese, you would say the first part, then say '尽管如此,' and then say the second part. It's like a bridge between a problem and what you are doing anyway. Because it has four characters, it sounds very grown-up and serious. You don't need to use it for everything, but knowing it will help you understand when Chinese people are being very determined about something. Just remember to put a small pause (a comma) after it when you speak or write it. It is made of 'despite' and 'like this.' So it literally means 'despite like this.'
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For A2 learners, '尽管如此' is a useful phrase to help your sentences flow better. Instead of always using simple words like 'but' (但是) or 'however' (可是), you can use '尽管如此' to show a stronger connection to the previous sentence. It means 'despite this' or 'even so.' For example, if you are talking about your hobbies, you might say: 'I am very busy. Despite this, I still study Chinese every day.' The phrase '尽管如此' refers back to the fact that you are busy. It is important to note that '尽管如此' usually comes at the start of the second part of your thought. You shouldn't put it in the middle of a short phrase. It needs a full idea before it and a full idea after it. This phrase helps you sound more like a native speaker because it shows you can connect different thoughts logically. Try using it when you want to emphasize that something is happening even though there is a reason it might not.
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At the B1 level, you are moving beyond basic survival Chinese into more expressive language. '尽管如此' is a key transitional phrase for this stage. It is a formal conjunction that translates to 'nevertheless' or 'nonetheless.' It is particularly useful in written assignments or formal discussions. When you use '尽管如此,' you are acknowledging a concession. You are saying, 'I recognize the situation described in the previous sentence, but it does not change the outcome or my opinion.' For example, in a discussion about technology, you might say: 'Smartphones can be distracting. Nevertheless (尽管如此), they are essential for modern life.' Notice how it summarizes the entire first sentence into the '此' (this). This makes your speech more efficient and logically tight. B1 students should also start pairing '尽管如此' with '还是' (still) or '依然' (still) in the following clause to add emphasis. This creates a balanced and natural-sounding Chinese sentence structure.
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At the B2 level, '尽管如此' is an expected part of your vocabulary for both the HSK exams and professional life. It is classified as a formal transition. At this level, you should understand the nuance between '尽管如此' and its synonyms. While '虽然如此' is also common, '尽管如此' carries a slightly more literary and emphatic weight. It is often used in news reports, business proposals, and formal debates. You should be able to use it to manage complex arguments. For instance, when discussing economic trends, you might use it to contrast a negative market indicator with a positive growth forecast. Grammatically, you should ensure that the logical link is clear; the '此' must clearly refer to the preceding context. Furthermore, B2 learners should be comfortable using it in the '但尽管如此' (but despite this) construction, which is common in modern Mandarin to provide extra contrast. Mastery of this phrase indicates that you can handle formal registers and maintain logical consistency in longer stretches of discourse.
For C1 learners, '尽管如此' is a tool for stylistic precision. At this advanced level, you should use it not just for logical contrast, but to control the rhythm and tone of your writing or speaking. It provides a 'breath' in the sentence that allows for a dramatic or significant pivot. You might encounter it in classical-style modern prose or high-level political commentary. C1 students should analyze how '尽管如此' functions within a larger rhetorical structure. It often serves as the transition between the 'concession' phase of an argument and the 'assertion' phase. For example, in a philosophical essay, one might describe the inherent difficulties of human communication and then use '尽管如此' to introduce the necessity of continued effort. You should also be aware of its more archaic or formal counterparts like '纵然如此' or '虽则如此' and understand why a writer might choose '尽管如此' for its modern, yet sophisticated, feel. At this level, your use of the phrase should feel effortless and perfectly timed within the flow of your discourse.
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At the C2 level, you should have a native-like intuition for the use of '尽管如此.' You understand that it is not just a translation of 'nevertheless,' but a phrase that carries specific cultural and linguistic baggage. It evokes a sense of resilience and objective acknowledgement. In C2 level discourse, such as high-level negotiations, legal interpretations, or literary criticism, '尽管如此' is used to navigate extremely subtle contradictions. You might use it to acknowledge the validity of a multifaceted counter-argument while simultaneously re-asserting a complex thesis. You should also be sensitive to the prosody of the phrase—how the four syllables (jǐng-guǎn-rú-cǐ) create a specific cadence that sets the stage for the following clause. Mastery at this level involves knowing when *not* to use it to avoid sounding overly pedantic, and instead choosing a more subtle transition if the context requires a lighter touch. You are essentially using the phrase to manage the 'logical architecture' of your highest-level communications.
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Examples

尽管如此 in 30 Seconds

  • A formal transition meaning 'despite this' or 'nevertheless.'
  • Used to pivot from a negative premise to a resilient action.
  • Common in news, business, and academic writing contexts.
  • Usually followed by a comma and often paired with '还是'.

The Chinese phrase 尽管如此 (jǐnguǎn rúcǐ) is a sophisticated transitional expression that translates most accurately to "despite this," "nevertheless," or "even so." It is a cornerstone of logical progression in both written and spoken Mandarin, particularly when the speaker needs to acknowledge a preceding fact while asserting a subsequent action or state that seems to contradict or bypass that fact. Grammatically, it is composed of two distinct parts: 尽管 (jǐnguǎn), which functions as a conjunction meaning "although" or "despite," and 如此 (rúcǐ), a formal way of saying "like this" or "in this manner." When fused, they create a bridge that allows for nuance and resilience in argumentation.

Logical Contrast
This phrase is used to signal a pivot point. It acknowledges the validity of a previous statement—often a difficulty, a warning, or a negative condition—but immediately introduces a counter-point that persists in spite of it. It is the linguistic equivalent of saying, 'I hear the obstacle, but the path continues anyway.'
Register and Formality
While terms like 但是 (dànshì) or 可是 (kěshì) are common for 'but,' 尽管如此 elevates the discourse. It is frequently found in news broadcasts, academic papers, and business negotiations where a professional tone is paramount. It suggests a thoughtful consideration of the context rather than a simple contradiction.
Syntactic Placement
Unlike 'although' (尽管) which usually starts a clause, 尽管如此 usually starts a new sentence or follows a semicolon. It summarizes the entire preceding thought into the word 'this' (此) and then moves forward.

外面下着大雨，尽管如此，他还是决定去跑步。

Translation: It is raining heavily outside; despite this, he still decided to go for a run.

In a broader cultural context, using 尽管如此 reflects a certain stoicism or determination. It is the language of perseverance. When a project faces setbacks, a leader might say, "We have lost funding; despite this, we will complete the prototype." This usage demonstrates that the speaker is fully aware of the reality (the loss of funding) but refuses to let it dictate the final outcome. It is a powerful tool for maintaining agency in a narrative.

这个计划有很多风险，尽管如此，我们还是想尝试一下。

Translation: This plan has many risks; nevertheless, we still want to give it a try.

To truly master this phrase, one must understand the weight of 此 (cǐ). In classical Chinese, 此 refers back to everything just mentioned. Therefore, 尽管如此 is not just 'but'; it is 'despite everything I just said.' This makes it particularly useful in debates where you want to acknowledge your opponent's points before pivoting to your own argument. It signals respect for the facts while maintaining your own stance.

他已经道歉了，但尽管如此，我还是不能原谅他。

Translation: He has already apologized, but despite that, I still cannot forgive him.

Using 尽管如此 correctly involves understanding its structural role as a transition. It typically occupies the initial position of the second clause in a complex sentence, or the beginning of a new sentence entirely. Unlike simple conjunctions that link words, 尽管如此 links entire ideas or situations. It is almost always followed by a comma, which provides a rhythmic pause, allowing the listener to absorb the contrast being presented.

The 'Condition-Contrast' Pattern
The most common pattern is [Statement of Fact/Difficulty]. [尽管如此], [Action/Outcome]. For example: 'Market conditions are poor. Despite this, our sales grew.' Here, the phrase acts as a pivot between the negative environment and the positive result.
Pairing with '还是' (Háishì)
In many cases, 尽管如此 is paired with 还是 (still) in the second half of the sentence. This reinforces the idea that the action persists 'still' despite the circumstances. This redundancy is common in Chinese to emphasize the continuity of the action.
Interaction with '但' (Dàn)
Sometimes you will see '但尽管如此' (But despite this). This is perfectly acceptable and adds an extra layer of emphasis to the contradiction. It is like saying 'But even so...'

学习中文很难，尽管如此，我每天都坚持练习。

Analysis: This sentence shows the classic pivot. The difficulty is stated first, followed by the resilient action.

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the emotional weight. 尽管如此 is often used when there is a sense of overcoming something. It is not just about logical difference; it is about the triumph of will or the unexpected nature of a result. If you use it to describe something trivial, it might sound overly dramatic. Use it when the contrast is significant enough to warrant a formal acknowledgement.

医生说他的病很重，尽管如此，他依然保持乐观。

Translation: The doctor said his illness is severe; nevertheless, he remains optimistic.

Another advanced usage is in the middle of a narrative to refocus the reader's attention. After describing a series of unfortunate events, a writer might use 尽管如此 to introduce the 'silver lining' or the protagonist's refusal to give up. This creates a rhythmic 'ebb and flow' in the writing, moving from description to resolution.

物价一直在上涨，尽管如此，人们的生活水平并没有下降。

Translation: Prices have been rising; despite this, people's standard of living has not declined.

In the real world, 尽管如此 is a hallmark of formal and semi-formal communication. You will encounter it most frequently in environments where precision and logical clarity are valued. While you might not hear it used every five minutes in a casual street market, it is indispensable in professional, educational, and media contexts.

News and Journalism
News anchors use this phrase to connect different aspects of a story. For instance, when reporting on a natural disaster, they might say, 'The rescue conditions are extremely difficult. Despite this, the search continues.' It helps the reporter sound objective yet empathetic to the efforts being made.
Business Meetings and Presentations
In a corporate setting, '尽管如此' is used to acknowledge risks or failures before pivoting to a strategy. A CEO might present a quarterly report showing a dip in profits and then use the phrase to introduce the recovery plan. It shows that the management is not ignoring the facts but is determined to move forward.
Literature and Essays
Writers use '尽管如此' to build character depth or thematic complexity. It is often used in internal monologues where a character recognizes their limitations but chooses to act anyway. It adds a layer of 'literary weight' to the prose.

“虽然证据不足，但尽管如此，警察还是决定继续调查。”

Context: A crime drama or news report about an ongoing investigation.

You will also hear this in formal debates or 'Talk Show' panels where experts discuss social issues. When one expert provides a counter-argument, they might start with '尽管如此...' to show they have listened to the previous point before offering their own perspective. It is a polite way to disagree or to add a necessary caveat.

“这条路很拥挤，尽管如此，它依然是去机场最快的路。”

Context: A GPS voice or a local giving directions in a formal manner.

In academic lectures, professors use 尽管如此 to introduce exceptions to a general rule. For example, 'Most chemical reactions speed up with heat. Despite this, some specific enzymes behave differently.' This helps students understand that the world is complex and full of nuances.

“比赛输了，但尽管如此，我们的团队精神没有输。”

Context: A post-game interview with a coach or team captain.

While 尽管如此 is a powerful tool, it is also a phrase that learners often misapply. Because it is a multi-character fixed expression, its placement and context are rigid. Understanding these common pitfalls will help you use the phrase with the natural ease of a native speaker.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '尽管' (Jǐnguǎn)
The most common error is using '尽管如此' when you only need '尽管'. 尽管 is used at the beginning of the first clause (e.g., 'Despite the rain...'), whereas 尽管如此 is used at the beginning of the second clause to refer back to the first (e.g., 'It rained. Despite this...'). You cannot say '*尽管如此下雨'. You must say '尽管下雨' or '下雨了，尽管如此...'.
Mistake 2: Over-formality in Casual Speech
Using '尽管如此' when talking to a close friend about a trivial matter (like choosing a pizza topping) can sound unnaturally stiff. In casual conversation, '但是' (dànshì) or '不过' (bùguò) is usually sufficient. Save '尽管如此' for more serious or structured discussions.
Mistake 3: Omitting the Comma
Because '尽管如此' acts as an introductory adverbial phrase, it requires a comma after it to separate it from the main clause. Skipping the comma can make the sentence feel rushed and logically blurred.

❌ 尽管如此他还是去了。(Missing comma)

✅ 尽管如此，他还是去了。(Correct)

Another subtle mistake is redundant usage. Since 如此 already means 'like this', adding another '这样' (zhèyàng) after it is unnecessary and sounds clumsy. For example, saying '*尽管如此这样' is a grammatical error of repetition.

❌ 尽管如此他的病，他还是工作。(Incorrect structure)

✅ 尽管他生病了，他还是工作。 OR 他生病了，尽管如此，他还是工作。(Correct)

Lastly, ensure there is a logical 'clash' between the two statements. If the second statement naturally follows the first without any contradiction, 尽管如此 is inappropriate. For example, 'He was hungry, so he ate' should not use this phrase; 'He was hungry, but despite this, he gave his food away' is the correct context.

“虽然他已经很累了，但尽管如此，他依然坚持完成了任务。”

Correct usage: A clear conflict between being tired and finishing the task.

In the rich tapestry of Chinese transitions, 尽管如此 is just one of many ways to express contrast. Depending on the desired level of formality, the specific nuance of the contradiction, and the grammatical structure of your sentence, you might choose an alternative. Let's compare 尽管如此 with its closest relatives.

虽然如此 (Suīrán rúcǐ)
This is perhaps the most common alternative. It is slightly less formal than 尽管如此 but functions almost identically. 虽然 (although) is the root here. Use this in daily professional conversations where you want to sound educated but not overly theatrical.
即便如此 (Jíbiàn rúcǐ)
This translates to 'even if it were so.' It has a stronger hypothetical or concessive tone. It is often used when the preceding fact is extreme or when you want to emphasize that even in the most intense circumstances, the result remains unchanged.
话虽如此 (Huà suī rúcǐ)
This specifically means 'That being said' or 'While that may be true.' It is very common in spoken debates. It acknowledges what the other person said (话 - words/speech) but prepares the listener for a 'but'.
依然 / 仍然 (Yīrán / Réngrán)
These are not full phrases but adverbs meaning 'still.' They are often used *within* the second clause after 尽管如此 to provide double emphasis on the persistence of the action.

他没有经验，虽然如此，他表现得很专业。

Alternative: Using '虽然如此' for a slightly softer tone.

Choosing the right word depends on your relationship with the listener. If you are writing a legal document or a formal letter to a superior, 尽管如此 is your best bet. If you are talking to a colleague about a project setback, 虽然如此 or 话虽如此 might feel more natural. Understanding these subtle shifts in 'flavor' is what separates intermediate learners from advanced speakers.

我知道这很难，即便如此，我也不能放弃。

Alternative: '即便如此' adds a sense of 'even if' intensity.

In summary, while there are many ways to say 'nevertheless,' 尽管如此 stands out for its balance of formality, logical strength, and versatility. By mastering its use, you gain a powerful tool for structuring complex thoughts and expressing resilience in Chinese.

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Examples by Level

1

天气很冷，尽管如此，我还要出去。

The weather is cold; despite this, I still want to go out.

A1 students use this as a strong 'but' between two simple facts.

2

这本书很贵，尽管如此，我还是买了。

This book is expensive; nevertheless, I bought it.

Shows a decision made despite a negative factor (cost).

3

我很累，尽管如此，我还要学习。

I am tired; despite this, I still want to study.

Common use of '还是' (still) after the phrase.

4

汉字很难，尽管如此，我很喜欢。

Chinese characters are hard; even so, I like them.

Expressing a positive feeling despite a challenge.

5

他不高，尽管如此，他打球很好。

He is not tall; nevertheless, he plays ball very well.

Contrasting a physical trait with a skill.

6

没有水果了，尽管如此，我不想去商店。

There is no fruit left; despite this, I don't want to go to the store.

Using the phrase to show a lack of action.

7

他生病了，尽管如此，他来学校了。

He is sick; nevertheless, he came to school.

Showing a surprising action given the condition.

8

电影很长，尽管如此，很好看。

The movie is long; even so, it is very good.

Linking a potential negative (long) with a positive (good).

1

工作很多，尽管如此，他还是准时下班了。

There is a lot of work; despite this, he still left work on time.

Uses '还是' to emphasize the result.

2

他没带伞，尽管如此，他没有淋湿。

He didn't bring an umbrella; nevertheless, he didn't get wet.

Contrasting a lack of preparation with a lucky outcome.

3

这个问题很难，尽管如此，他自己解决了。

This problem is hard; even so, he solved it by himself.

Emphasizes self-reliance despite difficulty.

4

路很远，尽管如此，我们还是决定走过去。

The road is far; despite this, we still decided to walk there.

Connects a distance with a decision to walk.

5

他很忙，尽管如此，他还是给我打了电话。

He is busy; nevertheless, he still gave me a call.

Shows effort made despite time constraints.

6

这里的菜很辣，尽管如此，很多人喜欢吃。

The food here is spicy; even so, many people like to eat it.

Contrasting a strong taste with popularity.

7

他没学过中文，尽管如此，他能听懂一些。

He hasn't studied Chinese; despite this, he can understand some.

Showing unexpected ability.

8

比赛输了，尽管如此，他们还是很开心。

They lost the game; nevertheless, they are still very happy.

Contrasting a result with an emotional state.

1

虽然目前的经济环境不佳，尽管如此，我们的公司依然在盈利。

Although the current economic environment is not good, nevertheless, our company is still making a profit.

Using '虽然' and '尽管如此' together for strong emphasis.

2

他已经多次失败了，尽管如此，他从未想过放弃他的梦想。

He has failed many times; despite this, he has never thought of giving up on his dream.

Connecting past failures with future determination.

3

医生警告过他，尽管如此，他还是继续抽烟。

The doctor warned him; nevertheless, he continued to smoke.

Showing an action that goes against advice.

4

这个实验结果并不理想，尽管如此，它为我们提供了宝贵的数据。

The results of this experiment are not ideal; even so, they provided us with valuable data.

Finding a positive aspect in a negative result.

5

他平时很少说话，尽管如此，他在会议上的表现非常出色。

He usually speaks very little; despite this, his performance at the meeting was excellent.

Contrasting personality with performance.

6

由于交通堵塞，他迟到了，尽管如此，他还是参加了重要的讨论。

Due to traffic, he was late; nevertheless, he still participated in the important discussion.

Using '尽管如此' to pivot from a setback to an achievement.

7

他并不喜欢这个城市，尽管如此，他为了工作还是留了下来。

He doesn't like this city; even so, he stayed for work.

Contrasting personal preference with professional necessity.

8

这部电影的评价很差，尽管如此，票房却非常高。

The reviews for this movie are poor; despite this, the box office is very high.

Contrasting critical opinion with commercial success.

1

尽管如此，我们不能因为一次挫折就否定整个计划的价值。

Despite this, we cannot negate the value of the entire plan because of a single setback.

Starting a sentence with the phrase to pivot an argument.

2

双方在很多细节上仍有分歧，尽管如此，谈判还是取得了实质性进展。

Both sides still have disagreements on many details; nevertheless, the negotiations have made substantive progress.

A classic formal business/diplomatic context.

3

虽然他面临着巨大的舆论压力，尽管如此，他依然坚持自己的立场。

Although he is facing huge public pressure, even so, he still sticks to his position.

Emphasizing resilience against external pressure.

4

这些数据可能存在偏差，但尽管如此，它们仍具有重要的参考意义。

These data may have biases, but despite this, they still have important reference significance.

Using '但尽管如此' for a very formal and nuanced contrast.

5

许多人对这项新技术持怀疑态度，尽管如此，它在市场上的应用正在迅速扩大。

Many people are skeptical of this new technology; nevertheless, its application in the market is expanding rapidly.

Contrasting skepticism with actual growth.

6

他并没有受过正规的艺术教育，尽管如此，他的作品却充满了灵性。

He has not received formal art education; despite this, his works are full of spirituality.

Contrasting lack of training with natural talent.

7

当地的法律环境非常复杂，尽管如此，这家外企还是决定在那里投资。

The local legal environment is very complex; nevertheless, this foreign company decided to invest there.

Business context involving high-level decision making.

8

他已经年过八旬，尽管如此，他每天依然坚持阅读和写作。

He is over eighty years old; even so, he still insists on reading and writing every day.

Contrasting age with continued intellectual activity.

1

尽管如此，我们必须清醒地认识到，技术的进步并不能解决所有的社会矛盾。

Nevertheless, we must soberly realize that technological progress cannot solve all social contradictions.

High-level social commentary usage.

2

虽然历史的进程充满了偶然性，尽管如此，其中依然存在着某种必然的规律。

Although the course of history is full of accidents, despite this, there are still certain inevitable laws within it.

Philosophical and academic register.

3

尽管如此，这种看似矛盾的现象，恰恰揭示了人类本性的复杂性。

Nevertheless, this seemingly contradictory phenomenon precisely reveals the complexity of human nature.

Advanced psychological or literary analysis.

4

尽管如此，在那个动荡的年代，依然有一批知识分子坚守着学术的良知。

Despite this, in those turbulent times, there was still a group of intellectuals who held onto their academic conscience.

Historical narrative with strong moral weight.

5

虽然目前的证据尚不足以定论，尽管如此，我们不能排除这种可能性。

Although current evidence is not yet conclusive, nevertheless, we cannot rule out this possibility.

Used in legal or scientific contexts to maintain openness to theories.

6

尽管如此，他那种不计后果的执着，在某种程度上也值得我们反思。

Nevertheless, his reckless persistence, to some extent, is also worth our reflection.

Critical analysis of a character's behavior.

7

传统的商业模式正在瓦解，尽管如此，品牌的核心价值依然是成功的关键。

Traditional business models are collapsing; despite this, the core value of a brand remains the key to success.

Strategic business analysis.

8

尽管如此，这种文化上的差异并不应该成为交流的障碍，而应该是互补的契机。

Nevertheless, these cultural differences should not become obstacles to communication, but rather opportunities for complementarity.

Diplomatic and sociological register.

1

尽管如此，在宏大的历史叙事中，个体的声音往往被淹没，但其存在的意义却不容忽视。

Nevertheless, in grand historical narratives, individual voices are often drowned out, but the significance of their existence cannot be ignored.

Highly sophisticated literary and historical analysis.

2

虽然宇宙的本质是无序的，尽管如此，人类依然试图通过科学去构建一种理性的秩序。

Although the essence of the universe is disordered, despite this, humans still attempt to construct a rational order through science.

Abstract philosophical discourse.

3

尽管如此，这种艺术形式的消亡，或许正是某种新文明形态诞生的前奏。

Nevertheless, the demise of this art form might precisely be the prelude to the birth of a new form of civilization.

Speculative cultural criticism.

4

尽管如此，在权力博弈的背后，依然潜藏着对人性底线的终极考验。

Nevertheless, behind the power games, there still lies the ultimate test of the bottom line of human nature.

Deep political and moral inquiry.

5

虽然全球化带来了诸多挑战，尽管如此，它依然是人类文明走向融合的必然趋势。

Although globalization has brought many challenges, despite this, it remains an inevitable trend towards the integration of human civilization.

Formal international relations discourse.

6

尽管如此，对于真理的追求不应因现实的残酷而止步，而应在黑暗中寻找微光。

Nevertheless, the pursuit of truth should not stop because of the cruelty of reality, but should seek a glimmer of light in the darkness.

Inspirational yet high-register rhetoric.

7

尽管如此，这种看似完美的逻辑架构，实则建立在几个极不稳定的假设之上。

Nevertheless, this seemingly perfect logical framework is actually built upon several extremely unstable assumptions.

Rigorous intellectual critique.

8

尽管如此，在文学的虚构世界里，我们往往能找到比现实更为真实的真理。

Nevertheless, in the fictional world of literature, we often find truths more real than reality itself.

Aesthetic and literary theory.

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