Collected Essays on Poetry and Prose

Author: Wu Shichang / Wu Linghua (editors)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-02-28
Features: When scholars of classical Chinese literature mention the representative works of each era, they often cite the Han Dynasty's Yuefu, Tang Dynasty poetry, Song Dynasty ci poetry, and Yuan Dynasty qu opera. Although these four literary genres have different names, broadly speaking, they are all forms of poetry and verse. While some Yuan qu works are plays, they are essentially poetic dramas composed of verse. From another perspective, these works are also songs. When compiling old Chinese poetry and ci poetry, the guiding principle should adhere to two points: First, any poetry or ci that does not conform to the rules of meter and rhyme, such as arbitrary rhyming or improper tonal adjustments, must not be selected, even if it is by an emperor. Second, during selection, only artistic and intellectual merit should be considered, and neither the official rank nor the "reputation" of the poet should be taken into account. These two principles are absolute rules and cannot be moved by even a single hair.