ABSTRACT
Both
the poetry of Tang and Sung Dynasties are considered two equally outstanding milestones in the
development of Chinese literature. Sung
poetry has, on the one hand, inherited the traditional forms and features of Tang poetry while, on the other hand, placed great emphasis on synthesizing
scholastic elegance with verncular
directness. Thus, it becomes a new style of poetic expression. The uniqueness of Sung poetry lies in
"metamorphosis," assimilating
quintessence from Tang poetry and fusing it with newborn features. Anderstreben is what the Sung poets emphatically advocated, and "using the essence of drama
in poetry" is a successful
accomplishment in metamorphosizing from its parent literal
style, the Tang poetry. For instance, the poems written by Huang
Ting-chien and Su Shih are greatly influenced by "popular
drama." The influence is evident in the
following aspects.
(1)While "popular drama"
emphasizes meticulous plotting, Huang also stressed methodical plotting and
prearranged layout.
(2)The works of "popular drama"
end, as a tradition, with an "wrap-up burlesque" which is
supposed to be humorously relevant to the theme and generating a lasting
impression on the audience. Both Su and Huang adopted similar devices, to
illustrate reality in ironical humor. As a result, certain poems are
"serious jests and epigrammatic paradoxes."
(3) The homorous "wrap-up"
in popular drama is meant to admonish politcal malpractice in an
indirect manner. Therefore, it employs insinuating jokes to show events
which are mixtures of truth and falsehood. Similarly, Su and Huang
used vernacular wording to express reality and imagination. As actors who
are supposed to demonetrate the spirit and feelings of their roles instead of
imitating, Su and Huang manifested their own character and spirit in
poetry.
Inspiration and influence of popular drama, Zen Buddhism,
painting, and calligraphy on Sung poets has enabled creation of a sense of
beauty in Sung poetry which is new and quite different from that of
Tang. Therefore, it can be considered having its own place in the world
of Chinese literature, a place that matches equally with that of
Tang poetr