Introduction to Qu Yuan and Li Sao | Generated by AI
Question: Provide an introduction to the poem 《离骚》 (Li Sao)
Answer:
《离骚》 (Li Sao, often translated as “Encountering Sorrow” or “The Sorrow of Parting”) is the most famous long poem in ancient Chinese literature and the central masterpiece of Qu Yuan (屈原, c. 340–278 BCE), the greatest poet of the pre-Qin era.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Author: Qu Yuan (屈原)
- Time: Late Warring States period (≈305–278 BCE)
- Length: 373 lines / ≈2,500 characters (in classical Chinese)
- Form: Chu Ci (楚辞) style — the earliest and most important development of lyric poetry after the Shi Jing (Book of Songs)
- Place in history: Generally regarded as the first long autobiographical lyric poem in Chinese literary history and the foundational work of romanticism in Chinese literature
Main Content in Brief
The poem can be divided into three major emotional movements:
-
Self-presentation & noble character
Qu Yuan proudly describes his noble birth, moral cultivation, devotion to beauty and virtue (symbolized by wearing fragrant plants like orchids, angelica, and lotus), and his determination to follow the “ancient kings” (ideal rulers like Yao, Shun, Yu). -
Political frustration & slander
He laments that the corrupt court of Chu did not appreciate his loyalty and talent; instead he was slandered, distrusted, and exiled by a foolish king who listened to flatterers.
→ Famous line:
世人皆浊我独清，众人皆醉我独醒。
(“The world is muddy, I alone am clear; everyone is drunk, I alone am sober.”) -
Spiritual journey & cosmic quest
Unable to realize his political ideals on earth, the poet embarks on a mythical, shamanistic flight:- Drives a chariot pulled by dragons and phoenixes
- Visits legendary mountains, gods, and goddesses
- Seeks the “beautiful person” (美人) — usually interpreted as either the ideal ruler or an allegorical representation of Qu Yuan’s own political aspirations
- Eventually realizes no true match exists → ends in despair and thoughts of death / immortality
Core Symbols
| Symbol | Meaning in the poem | Common interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Fragrant plants | 香草 (orchid, angelica, pepper, etc.) | personal virtue, moral integrity |
| 美人 (beautiful person) | the one he seeks on his journey | ideal ruler / political ideals |
| 求女 (seeking a lady) | asking matchmakers to help him woo goddesses | seeking a wise ruler who will employ him |
| 神游 (spirit journey) | flying across the cosmos | escape from reality + spiritual freedom |
Literary & Cultural Importance
- Created the “Chu Ci style” — long, passionate, imaginative, rich in myth and shamanistic imagery
- Established the “fragrant grass–beautiful woman” tradition (香草美人) — using beautiful natural images and romantic love as political allegory (later used by almost all major Chinese poets)
- Deeply influenced Han fu (rhapsody), Tang poetry, Song ci, and later romantic literature
- Qu Yuan himself became the archetypal loyal minister who is wronged, patriot-poet, and martyr for principle
- His death (drowning himself in the Miluo River) led to the origin of the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节)
Most Famous Lines (Modern Chinese + literal meaning)
-
路漫漫其修远兮，吾将上下而求索。
The road ahead is long and far, yet I will search high and low without end. -
长太息以掩涕兮，哀民生之多艰。
I heave a long sigh and wipe my tears, grieving for the hardship of the people. -
亦余心之所善兮，虽九死其犹未悔。
This is what my heart truly loves — though I die nine times I would never regret it.
In short: 《离骚》 is not only a personal cry of pain and loneliness, but also the first great individual voice in Chinese literature that dares to criticize the ruler, affirm personal values, and seek spiritual transcendence in the face of political failure.
References:
- None (standard knowledge of classical Chinese literature)