Reconstructing Wang Fu-Chih’s poetry theory :An exploration of Confucianism’s poetic concept based on the correlation between philosophy and poetry / darkness and brightness / heaven and human
Date Issued
2008
Date
2008
Author(s)
Tseng, Shou-Jen
Abstract
This dissertation aims to reconstruct the poetic theory of Wang Fu-chih. First of all, it discusses Wang’s misery poetry, from which the author also tries to review topics like “stimulating observing express fellowship show resentment”, “Fusion between emotion and scene”, “Theory of poetry and lyrics” and” concept and dynamic structure” to demonstrate that “affection” is the prerequisite of poetry. Furthermore, how Wang re-shapes the above-mentioned topics through “proper affections” and how he reflects poetry are also observed in the dissertation. Poetry was not dominated by affection only when developed in Ming and Chin dynasties. At that time, it was overtaken by styles like “Shishi” and “Prose as poetry” . Concept was the dominant factor in composing poetry and narration and comment also appeared. Simplicity and elegance in poetry were severely challenged when novels became popular, and this also led to a conflict between affection and narration. Moreover, poets’ original voice was further refrained by principles and formats. Under this situation, poetry was no more a reflection of poets’ affection; rather, it became a writing style for poets to follow, and its simplicity was questioned. Therefore, Wang believed that poetry lost its purity. He proclaimed the integration of “stimulating observing express fellowship show resentment”, and turned affection into insight and enlighten in the hope that human affection can observe the nature of the universe. His view about affections was different from other poets in the late Ming dynasty. He also believed that lyrics must be combined with poetry. In other words, lyrics should be the base for affection to further illuminate human emotion and poetry also needs to combine with morality to lead human beings to the original state of Grand Harmony where order and ethnics are still intact. Inspired by the combination of affection and lyrics, poets were able to reach the state of Grand harmony; poetry therefore served as a medium for their elevation and enlighten. “Concept is the dominant factor in poetry” proclaimed by Wang then demonstrated that a good concept is a process of thinking and reflection neither just a quotation of others’ works nor imagination. Wang’s poetry theory actually is not an isolated territory. Judging from its consistency of thoughts, it is indeed the study of Heaven and Human Nature, also an extension of Theory of Human Nature. For folks living in the change of Ming and Chin dynasties, Wang’s affection-oriented poetry appropriately served as their response to the chaotic political environment. Wang could also attached his loyalty to Ming and found his redeem and a peaceful final settlement in his own poetry.
Subjects
misery poetic
Chinese lyricism
stimulating observing express fellowship show resentment
Fusion between emotion and scene
Discussing poetry in musical terms
Concept is the dominant factor in poetry
concept and dynamic structure
Type
thesis
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