Title

Reading Across Genre in the Literary Works of Su Shi

Author

Ronald Egan

Genre

Article

Pages

255-269

DOI

10.6503/THJCS.202103_51(2).0001

Download

PDF

Language

Chinese

Key words

literary genre, Su Shi蘇軾, classical poetry, song lyric, miscellaneous prose writing

Abstract

Transmitted literary works from the Song period outnumber by far those surviving from the Tang dynasty. The number of literary genres also increased, including a few that only became widespread in the Song. Such types of writing as colophons on art objects and collectibles, miscellaneous prose pieces, song lyrics, and informal notes or letters were produced in abundance. Unlike in the Tang, when such writings were few in number and often excluded from a writer’s literary collection, during the Song these writings began to be included in literary collections or in a person’s “complete works.” By the twelfth century, the printing of such collections became widespread, increasing dramatically the chances of transmission. The new abundance of different types of writing provides an opportunity to examine how a writer might have treated the same topic or event in multiple different literary genres (an opportunity rarely available in earlier periods). This article examines this phenomena in the writings of Su Shi蘇軾. This approach allows us to refine our understanding of Su Shi’s practice as a writer, illuminating the ways his choice of genre affects the nature of what gets expressed. Special attention is given here to the contrast between classical poetry (shi詩), the most prestigious form, and those of lesser standing.