A Study On Immortality In Han Fu

Han Fu is one of the most representative literary genres of the Han dynasty.The literary creation on the immortality theme also reached its peak during this period.Based on this knowledge,this paper aims to study pieces that deal with immortality in Han Fu,so as to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between that theme and literary works of the Han dynasty,as well as explore the historical value of the immortality narrative.The first chapter analyzes the motivations behind the immortality narration of the fu writers.Based on the identities of the writers and the development of the Han Fu,three different motivations can be concluded: to appeal to the superior,to advise or satirize the emperor,and to express the sentiments of the literati class.The second chapter summarizes the types of themes and literary expressions of immortality narration from two aspects: "the emperor’s immortality " and "the literati’s immortality ".The former focuses on historical narration,while the latter focuses on lyricism.The third chapter discusses the ideological origins and changes of the immortality narrative.It is a reflection of the thoughts about theology and immortality during the Han dynasty.The two present a relationship of both unity and opposition,which constitute the political meaning of the immortality narrative in Han Fu.The last chapter analyzes the cultural connotations embedded in the immortality narrative.Behind it lays the Han people’s view of the universe,rulers and subjects,and life.