Pastoral Poetry In The Tang And Song

Based on the previous researches, this thesis aims at showing the prosperity of the landscape pastoral poetry in Tang and Song dynasties by describing the history context of its initiation and development. Seeing on the whole, the author sums up the following similarities about the landscape pastoral poetry in these two dynasties. Firstly, from the beauty of artistic conception aspect, both of them focus on the harmony of objects and subjects, natural scenery and feelings, universe and life. Secondly, from the aspect of aesthetic objects, both focus on the themes of describing the beautiful scenery of landscape and rivers of the country, no matter the political and economic center locates in north or south. Thirdly, from the perspective of main styles, no matter in peaceful and prosperous Tang dynasty or in that threatened by both domestic trouble and foreign invasions Song dynasty, both of their poets show the patriotism by describing the visual natural landscape. But, based on the similarities, they also have some differences. First, from the scope of subjects, the Tang poetry focused more about leisurely description of the beautiful scenery, quiet and peaceful rural life, while the Song poets expand their description to the real rural life which is about farming, traditions and customs. Then, from the pursuit of art, the landscape pastoral poetry has changed their style from the spiritual romantic fields get close to the pursuit of real life which is full of "breath of soil and sweat" (Qian Zhongshu'Notes of Song Poetry'). Also, the performing style changed from emphasis on elegant style to pursuing vulgar taste. The main reasons for these differences may relate to the different political and economic backgrounds of Tang and Song dynasties, the changing combination of Confucianism and Taoism culture and the poets' different attitude and aesthetic pursuit.