Qu Yuan

Author: Wu Jiarong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Poetry, ci, and qu reached their respective peaks of development during the Tang, Song, and Yuan dynasties in China. Ci is considered a supplement to poetry, and qu is a supplement to ci. This illustrates the inheritance relationship among the three. However, later scholars often had a strong preference for poetry and ci, while having little appreciation for qu. The main reason for this is that qu was primarily intended for stage performances and audience appreciation, often characterized by "the folk song of the masses" rather than "the high art of the elite." This book, Selected Qu with Annotations, draws on the strengths of various qu anthologies, focusing on compiling outstanding qu that are healthy in content, lively in form, innovative in technique, and have had significant influence. It includes annotations and critiques to delight readers. The format of this book follows author introductions, original works, annotations, and critiques. The critiques primarily analyze the ideological content and artistic achievements of each qu. The selection process incorporates many research findings from previous scholars.