Yang Wanli’s Spontaneous Poetics:Exploring The Concept Of Ziran And Shixue In Chinese Literary History

This research delves into Yang Wanli’s Ziran Shixue(Spontaneous Poetics,自然诗学),which is grounded in the concept of Ziran(spontaneity,自然)and Shixue(poetics,诗学).Yang Wanli’s numerous poems were influenced by the idea of Ziran,which originated from Laozi(老子)and was further developed by thinkers from the Pre-Qin period,such as Tao Yuanming(陶渊明)and Liu Xie(刘勰).Ziran is a complex concept with multiple layers of meaning,which can be broadly categorized into three:first,the Tao of Ziran,which explores the origins of humanity and literature;second,the landscape as an aesthetic object;and third,the naturalness of aesthetics based on an individual’s temperament.This research consists of three parts: introduction,main body and conclusion.The introduction discusses the different meanings of Ziran,including the Tao of Ziran,the aesthetic of landscape,and the naturalness of an individual.The main body of the research explores the origins and variations of Ziran and Shixue throughout Chinese literary history,and how Yang Wanli applied these concepts in his poetry.The first chapter explores how Yang Wanli’s Spontaneous Poetics were influenced by Taoism,Confucianism,Buddhism,and previous poets and critics.The second chapter examines the conception,writing,editing,and appreciation of Yang’s Spontaneous Poetics,highlighting his emphasis on inspiration from the natural world,broad-mindedness,and unconstrained artistic style.The third chapter compares Yang’s Spontaneous Poetics with those of the Jang Xi School as well as the whole Northern Song,focusing on his novel-seeking characteristics.The fourth chapter uses case studies of other poets to examine the impact of Yang’s Spontaneous Poetics on Chinese poetry from the last years of Southern Song to the modern period.The conclusion of the research suggests that Yang Wanli developed a unique approach to seeking spontaneity in poetry writing,drawing inspiration from the natural world and transforming Ziran into his second instinct.By synthesizing his identities as a poet and a Confucian,Yang created a distinguished poetic wisdom that influenced other poets throughout Chinese literary history.Overall,this research offers insights into the concepts of Ziran and Shixue in Chinese literary history and highlights the enduring influence of Yang Wanli’s Spontaneous Poetics on Chinese poetry.