Bi-Xing, the Correlation of Inner Feeling and Outer Scene, and the Reading of Imagery in the Classical Chinese Poetry

The author delves into the spiritual direction of Chinese poetics through the integration of bi-xing, the correlation of inner feeling and outer scene, and the reading of imagery, focusing on the theoretical origins and foundations of the concept of “integration of scenes and emotions.” Additionally, the author discusses Wang Fu-Chih’s poetic system.

 

In the tradition of Chinese literature, lyric poetry has been prominent. There has been abundant analysis of the form and aesthetics of lyric poetry, as well as criticisms and discussions derived from the lyrical tradition. The relationship between emotions and scenery, in particular, has been a key issue in Chinese poetic theory, with poets and critics since the Song dynasty emphasizing the importance of the “integration of scenes and emotions.” In fact, scholars from the Han, Wei, and Six Dynasties periods had already discussed the close relationship between emotions and scenery in the context of “bi-xing” and “imagery.”

 

This book traces the development of bi-xing, imagery, and the integration of scenes and emotions from a historical perspective, outlining a comprehensive picture of the theory of scenes in Chinese poetics. It not only focuses on theoretical analysis of the integration of scenes and emotions but also helps to deepen understanding of its theoretical significance.