How to Read Chinese Poetry in Context

Synopsis

How to Read Chinese Poetry in Context is an introduction to the golden age of Chinese poetry, spanning the earliest times through the Tang dynasty (618-907). It aims to break down barriers-between language and culture, poetry and history-that have stood in the way of teaching and learning Chinese poetry. Not only a primer in early Chinese poetry, the volume demonstrates the unique and central role of poetry in the making of Chinese culture.

Each chapter focuses on a specific theme to show the interplay between poetry and the world. Readers discover the key role that poetry played in Chinese diplomacy, court politics, empire building, and institutionalized learning; as well as how poems shed light on gender and women's status, war and knight-errantry, Daoist and Buddhist traditions, and more. The chapters also show how people of different social classes used poetry as a means of gaining entry into officialdom, creating self-identity, fostering friendship, and airing grievances. The volume includes historical vignettes and anecdotes that contextualize individual poems, investigating how some featured texts subvert and challenge the grand narratives of Chinese history. Presenting poems in Chinese along with English translations and commentary, How to Read Chinese Poetry in Context unites teaching poetry with the social circumstances surrounding its creation, making it a pioneering and versatile text for the study of Chinese language, literature, history, and culture.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Basics of Chinese Poetry

* Introduces the concept of Chinese poetry, its history, and major genres.
* Explains the use of rhythm, rhyme, and parallelism.
* Example: The poem "Night Mooring at Maple Bridge" by Zhang Ji features vivid imagery and a nostalgic tone, exemplifying the characteristics of Tang dynasty poetry.

Chapter 2: The Social and Historical Context

* Explores the influence of historical events, cultural traditions, and social norms on Chinese poetry.
* Discusses the role of poets as scholars, officials, and entertainers.
* Example: Du Fu's "Song of the Wagons" reflects the plight of refugees during the An Lushan Rebellion, highlighting the social and political context of his work.

Chapter 3: Reading Through the Lines

* Provides techniques for understanding the hidden meanings and allusions in Chinese poetry.
* Discusses the use of symbolism, metaphor, and the "subtle suggestion" principle.
* Example: Li Bai's "Quiet Night Thought" uses simple language to evoke a profound sense of loneliness and longing.

Chapter 4: Genre and Form

* Classifies Chinese poetry into different genres, including regulated verse, free verse, and prose poems.
* Explains the specific conventions and structures associated with each genre.
* Example: Bai Juyi's "Autumn Thoughts" is an example of regulated verse with a strict rhyme scheme and line structure.

Chapter 5: The Golden Age of Tang Poetry

* Examines the flourishing of Chinese poetry during the Tang dynasty.
* Discusses the major poets of the era and their contributions to the genre.
* Example: Wang Wei's "Mountain Residence at Lukang" captures the tranquil beauty of nature and exemplifies the aesthetic ideals of the Tang poets.

Chapter 6: Song Poetry and Lyricism

* Explores the evolution of Chinese poetry in the Song dynasty.
* Discusses the emergence of lyricism and the development of new poetic forms.
* Example: Su Shi's "Nian Nu Jiao" is a celebrated lyric that expresses his patriotic sentiments and his love of nature.

Chapter 7: Ming and Qing Poetry

* Examines the changing landscape of Chinese poetry in the Ming and Qing dynasties.
* Discusses the influence of neo-Confucianism and the rise of individualism.
* Example: Yuan Hongdao's "The Elegant Pavilion" reflects the focus on self-expression and the appreciation of beauty in nature during the Ming dynasty.