Abstract: From the perspective of academic history of modern and contemporary Chinese literary theory, the theory of literary essence is formed in the modern transformation of Chinese literary theory. The constructed discourse of theory of literature essence not only draws on and absorbs the Western modern pure literature concept, but also inherits the ancient theory of emotional expression and the concept of language art and literature. The discourse construction of contemporary theory of literature Essence is mainly based on Marxist theory of reflection and ideological literary concept, and is also influenced by Soviet literary concept. On the basis of historical reflection, the theory of literary essence in the New Era is moving towards theoretical reconstruction, and the discourse construction of literary theory such as aesthetic theory and “human science” has adapted to the requirements of the change and development of the times. In the postmodern cultural context, the open extension of the theory of literary essence is more complex. The introspection and reconstruction brought by the discussion of anti-essentialism become its internal power, and open, diversified and personalized discussion form a new pattern. At present, the theory of literary essence continues to expand and explore, facing some new situations, which involve how to build a new discourse form, the starting point and practical basis of theoretical construction, the dialectical relationship between the summary of literary experience and the construction of theoretical concepts, and other issues, which are worth further consideration and discussion.