Rediscovering Wen Tingyun: A Historical Key to a Poetic Labyrinth

by Mou, Huaichuan

• ISBN13: 9780791459362
• ISBN10: 0791459365
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-11-01
• Publisher: State Univ of New York Pr

Summary

A volume in the SUNY series in Chinese Philosophy and Culture Roger T. Ames, editor

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS	vii
ABBREVIATIONS	ix
INTRODUCTION	1	(10)
The Time of Wen Tingyun: Rampant Eunuch Power
The Study of Wen Tingyun: Lasting Historical Prejudices
Is Wen Tingyun Writing Another's Dream?
CHAPTER ONE FAMILY BACKGROUND	11	(20)
Clan Origin and Native Place
Remaining Prestige of an Aristocratic Family
Special Social Connections
CHAPTER TWO WEN'S BIRTH YEAR	31	(18)
A Most Abstruse Allusion to the Eunuchs
The Year of Having the Way and Epistle Presented to Prime Minister Pei
Other "Circumstantial Evidence"
CHAPTER THREE BEFORE THE YEAR OF "HAVING NO DOUBTS"	49	(20)
Days of Diligent Studies
Far Wanderings and Wen Zao
Journey along the River and Friendship with Buddhist Monks
CHAPTER FOUR WEN'S MARRIAGE-A CASE OF SCANDAL	69	(22)
Relationship with Wang Ya
An Initial Investigation of the Jianghuai Incident
Further Study and Clarification of the Incident
CHAPTER FIVE SECRET ATTENDANCE UPON THE HEIR APPARENT	91	(32)
Introductory Remarks
Clues Found in Wen's Works
Evidence Elicited from a Study of Two Epistles
The Hidden Story in Hundred-Rhyme Poem
CHAPTER SIX MYSTIFYING POETRY	123	(26)
An Enigma of the Sphinx
Theory Guiding Wen's Poetic Composition
More Examples
CHAPTER SEVEN CHANGING NAME AND TAKING THE EXAMINATION	149	(26)
"Equivalent to Passing" Yet "Failed to Pass"
The Change of Name
Wen's Afterthought
CHAPTER EIGHT HIGHLIGHTS DURING THE DAZHONG ERA	175	(40)
Complications in Wen's Frustrated Efforts
The Truth of the Fourteen Pusaman
CONCLUSION	215	(10)
APPENDIX	225	(14)
NOTES	239	(30)
BIBLIOGRAPHY	269	(10)
INDEX	279