Tang Dynasty "wu Shi Research

During the Early and Golden periods of Tang Dynasty poetry, in the southern regions on Wu and Yue, known for producing men of talent and repute throughout the ages, He Zhi Zhang, Bao Rong, Zhang Xu, and Zhang Ruo Xu were known as the "Four Talents of Wu". They were known for their brilliant poetry even in the capital city. They had a fresh, vibrant style, and although most of their works have been lost, there are still some poems which have survived through the dynasties and centuries, and to this day are familiar to everyone, even to the point of recitation. Outside of their unique literary style, they all had very unbridled personalities. Zhang Xu was known as the "King of Cao Style Script", as he represented the zenith of calligraphy during the Golden Period of Tang. Zhang Ruo Xu was simply known as "The Master" because of his single most famous poem. So we can easily see that the Four Talents are a group of outstanding literati deserving much research. At the same time also in the region of Wu, there were a large number of outstanding and influential poets, such as Chu Guang Xi, Shen Ru Jun, Ding Xian Zhi, Cai Xi Zhou, Zhang Chao, Zhou Yu. Together they all formed a very influential bloc of accomplished poets of the Golden Period of Tang.This paper is divided into three parts. It analyzes these four poets' lives, works, and influence.1. The Life and Times of the Four Talents of WuInformation on the life and times of these four poets is very scant. From limited historical material on these poets, we will piece together portraits of their individual lives, as well as analyze them within the larger context of all the outstanding poets from the Wu region during the Golden Period of Tang. This section also lays particular attention on the interplay of their own unique styles with the defining characteristics of the local Wu-style poetry in general.2. An Analysis on the Poetry of the Four TalentsBefore specifically interpreting the poetry of the four poets, the author attempts to organize the extant canon of their works. This is done by collecting lost works, verifying authenticity, and collating textual content. The aim is to build a reliable foundation for the basis of our research. This section first looks at their works as awhole, then proceeds to divide them by category and analyze in more depth. It will focus on such aspects as imagry, the use of metaphor, word choice and artistic conception.In addition, this section will focus on Zhang Ruo Xu's "Spring Scenery" poem. The author discusses its popularity and influence throughout the ages and then offers his own ideas on these topics. For example, "Spring" improves on the faults of Gong Ti style poetry; in interpreting "Spring", one should focus on its profound universal and life mentality; "Spring" also cleared the way for the accomplishments of later poets. This section finally discusses the reasons behing this poems temporary disappearance and reappearance.3. A Discussion on the Origins and Influence of the Works of the Four TalentsThe author belives that collective works of the Wu Poets carried on the legacy of the Southern Dynasties' fresh and ethereal poetry. They not only served as a catalyst for the convergence of Northern and Southern style poetry, but also exerted an undeniable influence on the entirety of Tang Poetry during the Golden Period. The Wu poets adopted the Southern Dynasty poets affinity for nature and aesthetic beauty, and thereby formed there own style of fresh, vibrant and elegant poetry. Also, their own study of folk poetry led to their own subtle and graceful Yue Fu style of poetry, which in turn influenced all of the poetry of the Golden Period of Tang. Under the influence of Wei Dynasty Xuan Xue, and Daoist and Buddhist thought, they developed their well known natural and unconventional brand of poetry, influencing the works of countless poets to come.