China’s Romantic Poet of Freedom | Generated by AI
Xu Zhimo was one of modern China’s most celebrated romantic poets and a key figure in the New Culture Movement of the early 20th century.
Life and Background
Born in Zhejiang Province to a wealthy family, Xu received a Western education that profoundly shaped his worldview. He studied at Peking University, Columbia University, and Cambridge University (where he developed a deep love for English Romantic poetry). His time in England, particularly at Cambridge, left an indelible mark on his work and sensibilities.
Literary Significance
Xu Zhimo pioneered modern Chinese poetry by:
- Breaking from classical Chinese poetic forms to embrace vernacular language
- Introducing Western romantic ideals and free verse techniques
- Writing with emotional intensity and lyrical beauty that resonated with readers seeking cultural renewal
His most famous poem, “再别康桥” (Saying Goodbye to Cambridge Again), captures his nostalgia for Cambridge and remains one of the most beloved poems in modern Chinese literature.
Themes
His poetry explored love, freedom, idealism, and beauty, often with a melancholic or wistful tone. He wrote passionately about romantic relationships, nature, and the search for meaning in a rapidly modernizing China.
Personal Life
His romantic life was as dramatic as his poetry—he divorced his first wife to pursue the brilliant writer Lin Huyin, and later married Lu Xiaoman. These relationships deeply influenced his work.
Xu Zhimo died tragically in a plane crash in 1931 at age 34, cementing his legacy as a romantic figure who lived and died young.
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