Final answer:
The late 20th century Chinese culture greatly influenced Mo Yan's literature, reflecting the historical and cultural forces of the time, including the Cultural Revolution and a return to Confucian ethics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The element most greatly influenced by the late 20th century Chinese culture in which Mo Yan grew up is literature. The Cultural Revolution and its aftermath, which encompassed Yan's formative years, significantly impacted Chinese literary themes and style.
Reflecting on the broader historical context provided by Han Yu's advocacy for a return to Confucian ethics, the artwork of Zhang Xiaogang demonstrates the enduring influence of China's turbulent history, including the Cultural Revolution, on contemporary cultural expressions.
The Confucian emphasis on personal moral responsibility highlighted by Han Yu is echoed in Mo Yan's literature, which often explores the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in a rapidly transforming society. In Mo Yan's work, literature and art emerge as mediums for examining the human condition and societal changes, serving as mirrors to the historical and cultural forces of the time.