China:The Glorious Tang And Song Dynasties - Asian Art Museum ...

Tang and Song Literature
1. INTRODUCTION
THE FLOURISHING OF POETRY IN THE TANG (618–906) AND SONG (960–1279) DYNASTIES
The Tang and Song dynasties were the golden ages of Chinese classical literature in general, and
poetry in particular. Poets of these periods, including Li Bo, Du Fu, and Su Shi, are well known
throughout East Asia and are still regarded as revered models for later generations of poets.
However, Tang and Song poets clearly had different literary orientations, reflecting differences
between Tang and Song societies. During the Tang period, China was open to the outside world
and embraced the new and exotic, whereas Song China was a comparatively closed society that
became introspective and philosophical. Tang poets were concerned with frontier adventures,
embraced foreign elements, and celebrated spontaneous feelings. By contrast, Song poets tended to
write about the more domestic moments of daily life, social duty, and the contemplation of philosophy
in their poems. Consequently, Tang and Song poetry express contrasting sensibilities: Tang
poems might be described as stimulating and intoxicating, while Song poems are delicate and
contemplative.
2. TANG POETRY
The Tang dynasty was particularly renowned for its poetry. Almost all educated people during that
period wrote poems—not simply as private pursuits but also on social occasions, to honor visitors,
to flatter a host, or even as a general means of communication. In total, about 50,000 poems by
2,200 poets have survived. In China, Tang poems have been traditionally revered as the model for
all later generations to emulate. Broadly speaking, three themes distinguish Tang poems from that
of other dynasties: the experience of frontier adventures, the fondness for foreign and exotic things,
and the celebration of unbridled spontaneous feelings and fleeting momentary emotions.
A. Spontaneous feelings: “Bring the Wine” by Li Bo
Tang culture was open to foreign influence and looked outward for inspiration. The strength of the
expansionist Tang government was reflected in the self-confidence of its poets and their celebration
of strong emotional expressions. Poets allowed spontaneous emotion to triumph over self-control
and fully experienced moments of joy and sorrow. When they expressed happiness, it was ecstatic.
When they expressed sorrow, it was close to desperation. The most beloved master of spontaneous
poetic expression was Li Bo.
Li Bo (701–762) was born in a Tang colony in Central Asia and grew up in Sichuan. Being
proud of his talent, he refused to take the civil service exams as other educated men did. Despite
this rebelliousness, he established himself as an excellent poet and his fame attracted the attention of
the emperor. Summoned by the emperor, Li Bo served the court for a time during the middle of the
eighth century. However, the restricted atmosphere of the court frustrated his independent spirit
and finally he left the court never to return. Indeed, Li Bo was too unique a character to be a
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