The "I" in Chinese Lyric Poetry

One of the perennial problems facing the lyric poet is to find the proper balance between individuality and universality. He is expected to reveal some of his most intimate experiences and emotions, and yet he must never obtrude his own self. The great Chinese poets, it seems to me, have solved this problem with astounding mastery. The reasons for their success are manifold and complex. Only one of them will be briefly examined here. It concerns the way in which the poet speaks of himself. A typical lyric opening is the following, by Meng Hao-jan

Art · Literature · Poetry · Chinese history and philosophy · French Literature and Poetry · Poetry Analysis and Criticism