The
country of China as “the oldest surviving civilization” provides us with work
and a “literary tradition {that} stretches over more than three thousand years”
(Puchner, “Early Chinese Literature and Thought” 747). A product of this “literary tradition” is the Classic of Poetry. This compilation “is
the oldest poetry collection of East Asia” and because Chinese literature began
“with The Classic of Poetry, short
verse gained …political, social, and pedagogical importance” (747). While “almost
all the poems in the Classic of Poetry
are anonymous” since the “compilation was attributed to Confucius and its
traditional interpretations emphasized Confucian values, it was part and parcel
of the education of political elites” (Puchner, “Classic of Poetry” 757, 759).
Examples of the lessons that were meant to be imparted to the people include
that of familial duty and of history.
The poems in Classic of Poetry use repetition that creates a “melodic rhythm and…additional
meaning” (Puchner, “Classic of Poetry” 758). The poem “Peach Tree Soft and
Tender” employs this use of repetition and “melodic rhythm:”
Peach tree soft and
tender,
How
your blossoms glow!
The
bride is going to her home,
she well befits this
house. (1-4)
In
the first four lines we learn of a new bride through the imagery of the tree’s “blossoms.”
In the next stanza the first line is repeated but this time is followed by a
marked change in time:
Peach tree soft and
tender,
plump, the ripening
fruit.
The bride is going to
her home,
she well befits this
house. (5-8)
The
fruit now ripe has gone through a marked change. No longer a young and innocent
blossom the bride has borne fruit (like a peach tree) and has begun to fulfill
her duty as wife. The final stanza of the poem delivers on the knowledge that
the wife has fulfilled her duty to husband and family:
Peach tree soft and
tender,
its leaves spread thick
and full.
The bride is going to
her home,
She well befits these
folk. (9-12)
Where “Peach Tree Soft and Tender”
serves as a lesson on a wife’s obligation to husband and family other poems
serve as historical markers, such as “She Bore the Folk.” This poem was written
about “the miraculous birth of Lord Millet, the inventor of agriculture and he
legendary ancestor of the Zhou people” (Puchner, “Classic of Poetry” 758). “She
Bore the Folk” not only serves to document the birth but a limited genealogy as
well: “She who first bore the folk-- / Jiang it was, First Parent” (1-2). From here the poem details the conception,
birth, and upbringing of Lord Millet. The poem lists his accomplishments and
ends by honoring and giving him due for his contributions:
We heap the wooden
trenchers full,
wooden trenchers,
earthenware platters.
And as the scent first
rises
the high god is peaceful
and glad.
This great odor is good
indeed,
For Lord Millet began
the rite,
and hopefully free from
failing or fault,
it has lasted until now.
(66-73)
Working as a poetic anthology the Classic of Poetry provided a creative
and rhythmic way of imparting values and lessons upon China and her people. By
focusing on different lessons and ideals it served as more than just a how to
manual but as a living history.
Works Cited
Puchner, Martin.
“Classic of Poetry.” Beginnings to 1650. Ed. Puchner. Shorter 3rd ed. New York: Norton, 2013. 756-759.
Print. Vol. 1 of The Norton Anthology of World Literature. 2 vols.
---. “Early Chinese Literature and Thought: Introduction.” Beginnings to 1650. Ed. Puchner. Shorter 3rd ed. New
York: Norton, 2013. 747-755. Print. Vol. 1 of The Norton Anthology of World
Literature. 2 vols.
“She Bore the Folk.” Classic of Poetry. Trans. Stephen Owen. Beginnings
to 1650. Ed. Martin Puchner. 3rd shorter ed. New York: Norton,
2013. 764-766. Print. Vol. 1 of The Norton Anthology of World Literature. 2
vols.
“Peach Tree Soft and Tender.” Classic of Poetry. Trans. Stephen
Owen. Beginnings to 1650. Ed. Martin Puchner. 3rd shorter ed.
New York: Norton, 2013. 760. Print. Vol. 1 of The Norton Anthology of World
Literature. 2 vols.
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