The Classic of Poetry is the first, as well as the most- Sinkpoint诗歌是典型的第一，也是最sinkpoint.doc

EAS256 Term Paper Topic 1 The Nature and Functions of The Classic of Poetry David Qixiang Chen 992343031 The Classic of Poetry is the earliest, as well as the most influential compilation of poetry in Chinese history. It is a compilation of 305 poems of the Zhou dynasty, which lasted approximately from 1122 – 256 B.C.; The Great Preface of Mao Poems 毛诗诗大序 defines poetry as: The poem is that to which what is intently on the mind (zhi) goes. In the mind, it is “being intent” (zhi); coming out in language, it is a “poem.” The affections are stirred within and take on for in words. If words alone are inadequate, we speak it out in sighs. If sighing is inadequate, we sing it. If singing is inadequate, unconsciously our hands dance it and our feet tap it. According to this definition then, poetry emerges from a conscious concern that forms into a creative lyrical form that is used to express the emotions and intents of its creator. This timeless definition of poetry perfectly articulates the quality and characteristics of the Classic of Poetry. Written in the Han dynasty, the Great Preface is considered the most authoritative text on the nature of poetry by generations of scholars, and is considered central to the study of Classic of Poetry. It articulates six characteristics of the Classic of Poetry consisting of: Feng风, Fu赋, Bi比, Xing兴, Ya雅, and Song颂. Together they are call the “six principals” 六义. It states that: Feelings emerge in sounds; when those sounds have patterning, they are called “tones.” The tones of a well-managed age are at rest and happy: its government is balanced. The tones of an age of turmoil are bitter and full of anger: its government is perverse. The tones of a ruined state are filled with lament and brooding: its people are in difficulty. Thus to correctly present achievements and failures, to move Heaven and Earth, to stir the gods and spirits, there is nothing more appropriate than poetry. By it the former kings managed the relations betwe