Title

Cultural Imagery and Expressions of Self in Lu You’s Poetry on “Riding Donkeys”

Author

Chung, Hsiao-feng

Genre

Article  

Pages

415-455

Download

PDF

Language

Chinese  

Key words

Lu You, “donkey riding” poets, cultural images, self-image

Abstract

      This article investigates Lu You’s 陸游 (1125-1210) poetic self-image from the perspective of the cultural trope of riding donkeys. It first discusses the poetry produced by “donkey riding” poets during the Tang and Song dynasties, noting the significant transformation this theme underwent over the course of this historical period. It then turns to an analysis of Lu You’s poetry on riding donkeys. Lu You composed poetry on this theme throughout his life and it came to symbolize his selfimage and self-consciousness. Unlike earlier authors, Lu You’s most notable poetry was produced from his actual experiences, and this cultural image informed both his personal conduct and his poetic compositions. Through a careful study of the poems he wrote late in life, which incorporated the theme of riding donkeys to present his selfimage, we can attain a deeper understanding of the relationship and interaction between the literary tradition and the image of “the poet.”