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Historical Records had a far-reaching influence on the development of later historiography and literature. His original biographical method of compiling history was passed down by the "official history" of later generations. At the same time, Historical Records is regarded as an excellent literary work, which occupies an important position in the history of China literature, and is praised by Lu Xun as "the swan song of historians, and the poem without rhyme is Li Sao". Sima Qian's pursuit of heaven and man is not to admit the mysterious power of heaven, but to pay attention to the evolution of the relationship between heaven and man, so as to understand the key to "the change of ancient and modern times", explore the level of historical dynamic development and change, and finally complete the "statement of one family". His motivation for writing is mainly in the following three aspects:

First, Sima Qian completed his ambition of compiling Historical Records in order to inherit his father Sima Tan's legacy.

Second, Sima Qian should inherit the spirit of Spring and Autumn Annals.

Third, Sima Qian should shoulder the responsibility of historian.

Sima Qian wanted to provide historical reference for feudal rulers, which reflected the real history and was very valuable.

In the spirit of record, Sima Qian chose characters not according to his official position or social status, but according to his actual behavior. For example, he wrote many biographies of low-level people such as forest rangers, businessmen, doctors and advocates for Excellence. In Sima Qian's mind, these people all have merits.

Sima Qian initiated a writing method that always tells a person's life story. Paying attention to "being a man" and its complexity is Sima Qian's brushwork. In his biography, he put his point of view in an objective factual narrative and expressed his love-hate attitude towards the characters.

Take Xiang Yu as an example. Sima Qian sympathized with him and wrote this failed hero with great enthusiasm. He not only praised Xiang Yu's bravery, but also criticized his lack of ambition and cruelty. However, in Biography of Xiang Yu, Sima Qian did not comment on it, but his love and hate for Xiang Yu were fully revealed in the narrative. This is the greatest feature of Sima Qian's biography, that is, the unity of authenticity and tendency.

The birth of Historical Records has made great contributions to the concrete development of China's historiography. The contribution and characteristics of Historical Records mainly include the following aspects;

First, created a "biographical style"

The second is to create a comprehensive historical compilation method of political, economic, ethnic and cultural knowledge.

Thirdly, writing straight is a precious historical tradition in China, which is well displayed in Sima Qian's Historical Records.

Fourthly, Historical Records is also a vivid historical biography.