A Compilation of Research Materials on Classical Literature. Du Fu Volume. Part One

Author: Huawenxuan et al.
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2001-01-01
Features: This book compiles materials on Du Fu studies from the Tang Dynasty to the May Fourth Movement. The content mainly includes: records of Du Fu's life and deeds, critiques of his poetry, textual research on his works, and interpretations of words and allusions. Du Fu was a great poet in Chinese history, exerting an extraordinary influence on later generations, and there is a vast wealth of commentaries on him throughout the ages. Excerpt: When Xu Du's learning flourished, scholars and officials studied books in pursuit of principles, often striving for novelty. However, excessive effort often led to artificiality. When asked about a renowned passage in Du Fu's poem "Temple of Yu," he replied: "Oranges and tangerines hang in the empty courtyard" refers to "The bounty of oranges and tangerines was bestowed as tribute," and "Ancient houses adorned with dragons and snakes" refers to "Driving dragons and snakes and releasing them into brine." These all highlight Yu's achievements—can it not be called skillful? (From Chusao Bian, Volume 2) Tang Geng, styled Zixi, was a native of Meishan. He excelled in writing. He often believed that after the Great Classics, there was Sima Qian; after the Book of Songs, there was Du Zimei. The Great Classics were beyond learning and unnecessary to study. Therefore, one should learn from Sima Qian in writing and from Du Zimei in poetry. These two works should also be read daily, as they are indispensable companions. He particularly disliked the New Book of Tang, which stated: Sima Qian dared to deviate from the truth, yet it was good; Ban Gu dared not deviate from the truth, yet it was not good. If one does not deviate from the truth, it is like the Zuo Zhuan; if one does, it is like the New Book of Tang. In the field of the eight consciousnesses, even a trace of the Tang Book would sow seeds for the next life. (From the same volume, Volume 2)