| Reciprocal ci is a special genre in ci poetry. This thesis, based on the assumption that "present and entertain" [zengchou] is related to the origin of ci, puts forward the idea of reciprocal ci as a way to differentiate between the terms commonly adopted by the academic circles such as "present in reply" [zengda], "to follow the rhymes" [changhe ], and "to entertain by following the rhymes" [chouhe]. This thesis studies the transformation in content and style of the reciprocal ci during Song-Yuan era. It explores the contexts in which the reciprocal ci were written, the recipients to which these works were presented, and the purposes for which these works served. Chapter One, as introduction, defines the concept "reciprocal ci" and examines the historical context within which the "reciprocal ci" were born. It also clarifies the conceptual difference among ci works which served to "present and entertain" [zengchou], to "present in reply" [zengda], "to follow the rhymes" [changhe ], and "to entertain by following the rhymes" [chouhe]. Chapter Two traces the origin and social context of reciprocal ci in late Tang and the Five Dynasties. It reveals the historical foundation upon which the styles and content of reciprocal ci were about to develop and transform. Chapter Three concentrates on the Northern Song period. It shows that "passion and erotics" and "entertainment" were the two main themes in the reciprocal ci in both court and popular literature. Gradually, however, the reciprocal ci went beyond entertainment with courtesans and involved dialogues among males. Chapter Four describes the transformation of reciprocal ci in the Southern Song dynasty. It highlights the role of scenes of nature and the relationship between hosts and guests in the reciprocal ci. It also explores how the issue of subjectivity was dealt with by "dependent" and "independent" ci writers. Chapter Five covers the Jin and Yuan dynasties. It documents the extinction of court reciprocal ci, and the religious elements in popular reciprocal ci in the Jin dynasty. It also explores the grandeur in court reciprocal ci and the presence of officialdom in popular reciprocal ci in Yuan dynasty. The issues of imitation and privacy will also be addressed. As conclusion, Chapter Six identifies five major themes in reciprocal ci: celebrating birthdays, involving courtesans, farewell, feast, and occasional greeting. It establishes their styles, consciousness, issue of gender, recipients, and characteristics, respectively. |
