The Art of Chinese Poetry

by Liu, James J. Y.

• ISBN13: 9780226486871
• ISBN10: 0226486877
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1976-01-30
• Publisher: Univ of Chicago Pr

Summary

This concise introduction to Chinese poetry serves as a primer for English-speakers eager to expand their understanding and enjoyment of Chinese culture. James J. Y. Liu first examines the Chinese language as a medium of poetic expression and, contrary to the usual focus on the visual qualities of Chinese script, emphasizes the auditory effects of Chinese verse. He provides a succinct survey of Chinese poetry theory and concludes with his own view of poetry, based upon traditional Chinese concepts. "[This] books should be read by all those interested in Chinese poetry."--Achilles Fang, Poetry "[This is] a significant contribution to the understanding and appreciation of Chinese poetry, lucidly presented in a way that will attract a wide audience, and offering an original synthesis of Chinese and Western views that will stimulate and inspire students of poetry everywhere."--Hans H. Frankel, Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies "This is a book which can be recommended without reservation to anyone who wants to explore the world of Chinese poetry in translation."--James R. Hightower, Journal of Asian Studies

Table of Contents

Introduction

Acknowledgments

The Chinese Language as a Medium of Poetic Expression

The Structure of Chinese Characters

Implications and Associations of Words and Characters

Auditory Effects of Chinese and the Bases of Versification

Some Grammatical Aspects of the Language of Poetry

Some Chinese Concepts and Ways of Thinking and Feeling

Some Traditional Chinese Views of Poetry

The Didactic View: Poetry as Moral Instruction and Social Comment

The Individualist View: Poetry as Self-Expression

The Technical View: Poetry as Literary Exercise

The Intuitionalist View: Poetry as Contemplation

Towards a Synthesis

Poetry as Exploration of Worlds and of Language

Imagery and Symbolism

Allusions, Quotations, and Derivations

Antithesis

Epilogue

Note on Romanization

References

Index of Chinese Names and Book Titles

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.