Evolution of the Pre-Qin Theory of Shi Yan Zhi and Different Interpretations

Abstract

The phrase, shi yan zhi (poetry expressing aspirations) is ancient China’s first ontology of poetry, and therefore its significance should be examined from the ontological perspective. This paper explores the historical context in which this theory is created in three respects: the maturity of the artistic form that integrates poetry, music, and dance, the establishment of governance through an education system, and the establishment of an ethical system. This paper holds that as an ancient and classical theory, shi yan zhi was embraced and carried forward by the scholar-officials of the Spring and Autumn Period when reciting poems, and later was cited and further expanded by the pre-Qin philosophers. Zhi is the unique attribute of The Book of Odes to distinguish it from other classics. This paper also investigates the evolution history from shi yan zhi to the six music language skills and six forms of poetry described in “The Office of Spring” in The Rites of Zhou, as well as the six essential elements mentioned in the Introduction to Mao’s Version of The Book of Odes, highlighting the contribution of “The Record of Music” in The Book of Rites to the development of shi yan zhi．

Keywords

shi yan zhi (poetry expressing aspirations), ontology of poetry, pre-Qin poetry, poetry studies of pre-Qin philosophers

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