Mountain Soul, Water Spirit (Poetry of Chaste Poets in the Late Ming and Early Qing Dynasties and Theories on Landscape Poetry)

Author: Shi Zhiming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: This paper selects landscape poems by patriotic and chaste poets from the late Ming and early Qing dynasties as its research subject, with a natural focus on uncovering the patriotism and noble character embedded within them. At the same time, the paper does not overlook their aesthetic style and artistic achievements. It reasonably adopts the perspective of "regional characteristics" to meticulously analyze the distinct poetic styles of different poetic groups in regions such as Wu, Zhejiang, Yue-Chu, Huaiyang, southern Anhui, and Beijing-Zhen. This reveals their overall melancholic and poignant style as well as their unique individualistic features. Thus, it accurately grasps and reveals the overall framework of landscape poems by patriotic and chaste poets from the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, making it both substantial and engaging. This paper leaves a profound impression in both showcasing the national spirit of patriotic and chaste poets and their literary achievements, contributing to the study of landscape poems and Qing poetry.
The martyrs of the late Ming dynasty sacrificed their heads and blood to defend the Ming; the poets of the early Qing dynasty took self-sacrifice as honor and considered surrendering to the Qing (becoming "traitorous ministers") as shame. This reflects the traditional Chinese values of honor and shame. Today, efforts are being made to promote the education of socialist values of honor and shame. At this moment, revisiting the historical facts and ideas of traditional values of honor and shame holds practical significance for inheriting traditional morality, undergoing modern transformation or rational reconstruction, and establishing socialist values of honor and shame.
Against the backdrop of the great turmoil during the transition from the Ming to the Qing dynasty, this paper reflects on the patriotic spirit and national character of these poets through the analysis of this special type of poetry, particularly in their landscape poems during the late Ming and after its fall. It meticulously and subtly discusses their overall melancholic and poignant style as well as their individualistic poetic styles. The topic and research findings are both meaningful and valuable.