Chu Ci also known as poetry of Chu,
was a new style of poetry emerged after The Book of Songs. It was created
in the State of Chu in South China in the 4th century BC. In the course of its formation,
it was influenced by folk literature of the State of Chu, and thus, it was characterized
by a strong local flavor.
Qu Yuan was one of the central figure, Born in the State of Chu, Qu Yuan was regarded
as one of the greatest patriotic poets who are held in the highest esteem in Chinese
history. Witnessing the corruption of his colleagues and the inability of his king,
Qu Yuan was rather worried, so he wrote a great number of poems expressing his resentment.
Afterwards, defamed by other villains, Qu Yuan was exiled to lead a vagrant life
for a long time and finally drowned himself in Miluo Rivers. On Dragon Boat Festival
every year, Chinese will wrap glutinous rice dumplings and hold dragon boat race
to commemorate him. His main works include On Encountering Trouble, Heavenly Questions,
Nine Songs, etc.
On Encountering Trouble is a colossal political lyric made up of over 370
lines with2,400 characters. Drawing on the technique of romanticism, the poet recounted
his life, his beliefs and misfortunes, expressed his concern over the fate of the
State of Chu and his determination to maintain his lofty aspirations. In this poem,
riding on a rainbow chariot driven by dragon as white as jade, guarded by the god
of wind, god of sun, and god of moon, he soared to heaven in search of his ideals.
Finally he was forced to leave his most deloved the State of Chu. Qu Yuan's patriotism
and unyielding spirit has moved and encouraged many readers down through the generations,
edifying their sentiment.
After Qu Yuan, Song Yu and Tang Le also wrote exquisite works in works in Chu Ci
style, making Chu Ci a typical genre of poetry in a certain period, which
was called the "Poetry of Sorrow".
The profusion of myths and fantasies, the unusual twists of imagination, the vigorous
surge of feelings and exotic use of verses in Chu Ci was a complete breakthrough
compared with the "Four-Character-Trim-Verse" style in The Book of Songs,
thus enlarging the content of every line of poem and enhancing the expressiveness,
thereby demonstrating a unique romanticism that has never faded and pioneered a
new road for the development of Chinese culture.
Reference data
- Glutinous rice dumpling is made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves.
- Heavenly Questions is a long poem with more than 170 questions concerning
heaven put forward, asking in one breath.
- Nine Songs is based on folk
legends of State of Chu. Drawing on the form of obit songs, Qu Yuan composed a group
of lyrics, including East Emperor Tai Yi, The Person in the Clouds, The Person From
Hunan, The Madam From Hunan, etc
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