| Back to Syllabus |
Background
Study Questions
Which religious/philosophical traditions are relevant to the poetry of Wang Wei, Li Po and Tu Fu? In what ways do the poems reflect, represent or embody the ideas of those religions and philosophies? (it is advised to read into the definitions of each one of the relevant religions or philosophical systems). How does the poetry relate to the personal lives of each of the poets? Why did they write?
Is the poetry of Wang Wei in any way related to his work as a landscape painter? What is the significance of the images of nature in his poetry? What religious tradition is embodied in his writing? How?
What is the role of nature in the poetry of Li Po? In what ways does it differ from or is similar to its role in the poetry of Wang Wei? What may be the meaning of the image of the moon in the poetry of Li Po? What is the significance of the frequent images of alcohol and drinking? How do such images (the moon, drinking, etc) relate to the characterization of the self and its relations to others? What does the poet want? What religious tradition is embodied in his writings? How?
In what ways does the poetry of Tu Fu differ from that of Wang
Wei and Li Po? What seems to be Tu Fu's main concern? What is Tu
Fu's attitude toward social and human problems such as poverty,
war, and suffering? How does he represent and attempt to address
those problems? What philosophical and moral tradition is
embodied in his work? How? Does nature play a role in his poems?
Is that role similar to or different from that in Li Po and Wang
Wei's work?
Click here for information on further research sources
| Back to Syllabus |