Selected and Commented Chu Ci -- A Series of Classical Literature Commentaries by Renowned Scholars

Author: Chu Binjie (Commentary)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: This book is a study and introduction to the works of the great poet Qu Yuan. Its approach involves not only providing titles and brief annotations for each piece but also offering in-depth commentary on the works chapter by chapter and section by section. Commentary, also known as critical annotations or marginal notes, was a literary criticism and appreciation method widely used in ancient China. Its characteristics include full flexibility, meticulous evaluation, and the ability to inspire readers. For example, when evaluating a work, one may comment if they have insights, or omit if they do not, with the length varying depending on the commentator's unique insights. This allows for the avoidance of much empty and redundant language. In the evaluation, one can comment on the work's composition, poetic techniques, artistic spirit, and masterful expressions, following the text to help readers gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the author's intentions and the profound meanings of the works. These are aspects that are difficult to achieve through other methods. This book adopts this approach to interpret Qu Yuan's poetry. As mentioned earlier, the Chu Ci works are vast, profound, rich in cultural connotations, and exceptional in poetic art. However, due to their age and the difficulty of the language, as well as insufficient documentation, they are often challenging to interpret.