Catching Shadows: Wang Fuzhi's (1619-1692) Lyrics and Poetics

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

Abstract

This paper examines Wang Fuzhi’s lyrics on shadows and his poetics of “catching shadows,” both involving his thoughts on the commensurability of life and theater. These lyrics weave together the metaphor of life as a play with the Zhuangzi and Buddhism to explore the themes of self, free will, and fate at a time of political and moral collapse. Wang’s poetics of “catching shadows,” centering on the intricate play of feeling, visuality, and the concept of theatrical self-division, explores lyrical interiority and the multilayered representation of poetic consciousness, as well as challenging certain conventions of poetry. Wang’s lyrics and poetics thus indicate a theatrical turn in early Qing lyricism and poetics: a new way of observing the self and the world, born out of a synthesis of late-Ming theatrical culture, the Zhuangzi, and Buddhism.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)41-78
JournalChinese Literature
Volume38
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2016

Bibliographical note

Full text of this publication does not contain sufficient affiliation information. With consent from the author(s) concerned, the Research Unit(s) information for this record is based on the existing academic department affiliation of the author(s).

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