A Comparative Study of the Poetry of Tao Yuanming and Xie Lingyun

Author: Bai Zhenkui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: Zhenkui's works are the opposite; he never compromises for popularity. He presents both Tao Yuanming and Xie Lingyun, the twin stars of the Jin and Southern Dynasties' poetic scene, on the same stage, allowing them to perform vividly. The author is well-versed in history, making us feel as if watching a series of dynamic movies, vivid and relatable, capturing the spirit of the times and the essence of literature in the process of historical progression. The author points out that influenced by the era's metaphysical trends, both Tao and Xie revered the philosophy of nature. However, due to differences in cultural context and various conditions, their understanding of "nature" is similar yet distinct. When placed side by side for careful analysis and comparison, they each reveal their unique qualities while complementing one another. One is a poetic hermit with a graceful demeanor yet occasionally showing outstanding talent, while the other is a mountain-water poet with lofty aspirations and extraordinary talent, both of whom are landmark figures in Chinese poetry. The two writers selected in this book, Tao Yuanming and Xie Lingyun, both rose to prominence in the literary world with their innovative creations. Tao took the traditional freehand style of ancient poetry to its peak, and exploring his works reveals endless wonders.