The Research On Zou Meizhong’s Tang Shi Zhong Sheng Ji

During the Qing Dynasty,there were a rich variety of Tang poetry anthologies that have been a hot research topic in academia in recent years.Tang Shi Zhong Sheng Ji is a Tang poetry anthology compiled by Zou Meizhong,a renowned book collector and educator in Gong’an County,Hubei Province.He had profound research in the fields of Confucian classics,phonology,and poetry,and he conveyed his knowledge and teachings through collecting and writing books.Influenced by flourishing cultural policies,the emergence of various poetry genres,the continuous development of poetic theories,and the abundance of children’s primer and trial poetry anthologies due to the imperial examinations,Zou Meizhong responded to the practical needs of local students in examination preparation and compiled this anthology.In addition to promoting poetry education,he also contemplated poetic theories and summarized his experiences in Tang poetry research and creation.The content of Tang Shi Zhong Sheng Ji mainly consists of annotations and reviews.The annotations cover pronunciation,objects,allusions,and explanations.Zou Meizhong extensively referenced numerous books to ensure the precision and comprehensiveness of the annotations.The annotations have the characteristics of wide-ranging coverage and precise content.The reviews primarily focus on poetic techniques and structure,displaying concise and refined language.Particularly,the analysis of poetic artistic methods and linguistic features often inspires readers’ thoughts with a few concise words.The compilation methodology of Tang Shi Zhong Sheng Ji revolves around three dimensions: source selection,thematic selection,and scope selection.Regarding the source selection,the anthology was inspired by representative Tang poetry anthologies from the late Ming and Qing dynasties.As for thematic selection,the anthology aims to express profound ideas and convey elegant sentiments,with the criteria of emphasizing the richness of interest and connotation while showcasing external brilliance.The selected works have clear themes and well-organized structures.In terms of scope selection,the anthology focuses primarily on the prosperous Tang period while including all four periods of Tang poetry.The selection does not rely on the fame of the poets but rather on the quality of the poems.The collection encompasses all six types of Tang poetry,with a special emphasis on long rhythm poems.The selected poems cover a wide range of topics related to Tang life.Overall,Tang Shi Zhong Sheng Ji stands out for its extensive and precise annotations,concise and refined reviews,and a compilation methodology that focuses on source,theme,and scope.The poetic thoughts in Tang Shi Zhong Sheng Ji are reflected in two aspects: the emphasis on respecting education and the proposed approach of variation in creative writing.The selected poems in the book value the educative function of Tang poetry,presenting a focus on all four periods of Tang poetry and promoting the function of poetry education.When annotating the poems,the book extensively references various sources to seek comprehensiveness,showcasing characteristics of exploring origins,extensive knowledge,and precise annotations.Zou Meizhong adheres to the approach of variation in poetic creation.Based on his own creative works,he draws inspiration from the creative techniques and thematic connotations of Tang poetry.He pays particular attention to the refinement of sound and the application of allusions,demonstrating skillful craftsmanship.In the process of studying poetry,he learns from various poets,while in his actual creative endeavors,he derives inspiration from multiple sources and imitates techniques,incorporating the trends of his time.This results in a poetic style characterized by elegance,harmony,introspection,and genuine expression of emotions.Zou Meizhong’s works demonstrate a combination of poetic techniques and creative inspiration,achieving a distinctive and innovative effect.Tang Shi Zhong Sheng Ji indeed possesses unique value,but it is also subject to the limitations of its time.Its value lies in being a popular primer for children,attempting to include a wide range of poems within its limited volume.Through its scientifically rigorous annotations and concise reviews,it provides inspiration to readers and is worth referencing in the study,appreciation,and teaching of poetry today.However,its limitations stem from the influence of feudal societal values.The selection of poems emphasizes expression of emotions over storytelling,and the selected poems prioritize adhering to the educational significance of poetry,failing to adequately reflect the social aspects of poetry.The concise language used in the reviews makes it difficult for general readers to understand the poems and learn the poetic techniques effectively.