Jin Zhaoyan Research

Jin Zhaoyan is an active figure in the literary world living in Yangzhou City during Qianlong period, Qing Dynasty. He likes to rub elbows with literati. Jin was born in a poor family. As any man of letters does, he attended imperial civil examinations, but did not succeed till forty-nine years old, the eighth time. Since then, He has been holding a place in Yangzhou for twelve years, during which he involves himself in literary activities, turning out "Guozi Xiansheng Collected Works" and "Flag Pavilion", two enduring works we can appreciate today. It’s also during his Yangzhou days that Jin encouraged and promoted his juniors. However, we have paid little attention to Jin in the past. With this article, the author would like to reveal a real Jin Zhaoyan by introducing his life, including his family and friendship with current literary scholars. What’s more, this article will learn his outlook on poetry through analyzing his poems. In the last, this article will study "Flag Pavilion’", a play by Jin.The article is divided into5parts, including preface and four chapters.In the preface, the author displays his concern in studying Jin Zhaoyan, for example study purpose and more.In the first chapter, the author observes Jin’s family and his personal life. Jin’s family tree is unveiled with detailed statement of12generations’life after they moved to Quanjiao, Anhui province, through which the author concludes that Jin’s family takes seeking official positions as a literary man as their tradition. In general, Jin’s life is divided into4parts, which to be described later.In the second chapter, the author traces Jin’s friendship with literati, salt merchants and artists. Moreover, the author studies Jin’s close friends’ influence to his life, thought and literary works.In the third chapter, the author analyzes Jin’s outlook on poetry. Jin writes in accordance with "Poetry tells personality". He emphasizes "gentleness and kindness", an expression of emotion with restraint according to Confucianism. In addition, Jin expounds and advocates loyalty and filial piety and chastity and righteousness. This chapter is concluded with3 features to Jin’s poems with overall study on his works and his life and personality, that is working in poor, seeking an audience with a person in power to court his favor and associating with relatives and friends and any kindhearted people.In the last chapter, the author discusses "Flag Pavilion". Attention is given to the writer and critics, for instance Lu Jian, who in author’s point of view was involved in revision to the original with "Fan Li", in which Lu gives his comments on "Flag Pavilion". In a word, this chapter is to guide readers to understand the play, in both content and structure.