Lesson on how to write Chinese Poetry

Summary

This lecture explores the artistry and pedagogy of classical Chinese poetry, focusing on the quatrain form known as Jueju. Jonathan Stalling explains how poetry cultivates harmony between humans and the natural world, highlighting the use of monosyllabic words, imagery, rhyme, and thematic progression. The video illustrates both old-style and regulated verse, emphasizing parallelism and contrast. Examples from student competitions showcase the creative application of these rules. Practical classroom exercises, including manipulatives, puzzle boards, and word cards, guide students in composing evocative poems. Resources such as monosyllabic word lists and rhyming dictionaries support learning, making this lecture a comprehensive guide to teaching and experiencing Chinese poetic tradition in English.

Takeaways

• 😀 Poetry in classical Chinese is deeply connected to the concept of harmony, which is essential for human alignment with the pattern of the universe.
• 😀 The classical Chinese tradition emphasizes personal cultivation through poetry to bring balance to the self, family, society, and the world.
• 😀 Classical Chinese poetry, such as the Jew a Jew, requires strict adherence to tonal, structural, and rhythmic rules, making it a complex and highly melodic art form.
• 😀 Language itself is seen as the pattern of humanity, and cultivating one's understanding of language is key to aligning with the Dao (the way of heaven and earth).
• 😀 The concept of balance and correlation is central to the Chinese worldview, and this is reflected in the tonal patterns of poetry where yin and yang tones alternate.
• 😀 Classical Chinese poetry became so vital to cultural identity that it played a central role in the imperial examination system, influencing one's chances for government positions.
• 😀 Writing poetry is viewed as a game where both students and teachers engage in play, learning, and self-improvement, making the process of learning poetry engaging and interactive.
• 😀 The structure of classical Chinese poetry follows a specific thematic progression: introduction of a scene, extension, a turn revealing the poet's inner feelings, and a conclusion.
• 😀 When creating poems in English, students must adhere to specific rules: using monosyllabic words, pairing them into meaningful units, following an AABA rhyme scheme, and observing a thematic progression.
• 😀 Advanced poetry forms, such as regulated verse, introduce the concept of parallelism, where words in one line correspond with words in the following line, either symmetrically or oppositely, adding complexity to the poem.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the classical Chinese poetic tradition discussed in the lecture?

The central theme is the idea of 'harmony,' both in the natural world and within human beings. The belief is that humans are slightly 'askew' when they enter the world, and through the study of poetry, they can align themselves with the Dao, a cosmic pattern of balance and harmony.

How does poetry relate to the concept of self-cultivation in classical Chinese thought?

In classical Chinese thought, poetry is seen as a means of self-cultivation. By mastering language and poetry, individuals can align their inner patterns with the larger cosmic harmony. This self-cultivation can extend to one's family, community, and even the nation.

What is a 'Jueju,' and why is it significant in Chinese poetry?

A *Jueju* is a quatrain, a form of poetry composed of four lines, each with a set number of characters. It is significant in Chinese poetry because it adheres to strict rules of balance, rhythm, and thematic progression, reflecting the harmony of the natural world and the human mind.

What role does parallelism play in the composition of Chinese poetry, especially in the regulated verse?

Parallelism is a crucial element in Chinese poetry, especially in the regulated verse. In this form, words or phrases in corresponding lines should relate to each other vertically and horizontally. This creates a sense of symmetry, balance, and harmony within the poem, representing the natural order and the cosmic Dao.

How is the rhyme scheme structured in the *Jueju*?

The rhyme scheme of a *Jueju* typically follows an AABA pattern, where the first, second, and fourth lines rhyme with each other, but the third line does not. This creates a melodic structure while maintaining thematic balance.

What is the thematic progression expected in a *Jueju* poem?

A *Jueju* poem should have a thematic progression across its four lines: Line 1 introduces a scene, Line 2 extends and deepens the scene, Line 3 introduces a shift or a turn, often related to the poet’s inner feelings, and Line 4 concludes the poem, bringing it to a resolution.

What are the rules for composing a *Jueju* in English as outlined in the lecture?

The key rules for composing a *Jueju* in English include: using monosyllabic words, focusing on highly imagistic words, pairing words into two- or three-word units, following the AABA rhyme scheme, and maintaining a clear thematic progression (introduce, extend, shift, and conclude).

What is the purpose of using manipulatives in teaching *Jueju* to students?

Manipulatives, such as word cards or puzzle boards, are used to help students experiment with word combinations and understand the rules of the form. They encourage creative exploration and assist students in constructing poems that adhere to the structural and thematic principles of *Jueju*.

Why does the lecture emphasize the importance of rhythm and sound in Chinese poetry?

Rhythm and sound are crucial in Chinese poetry because they reflect the balance of yin and yang, which are foundational concepts in classical Chinese thought. The tonal nature of the Chinese language itself contributes to the harmony and melody of the poem, and these elements are central to achieving the desired effect in poetry.

What is the difference between the old-style *Jueju* and the regulated verse discussed in the lecture?

The old-style *Jueju* does not adhere to strict parallelism, allowing for more creative freedom. In contrast, the regulated verse (new style) requires parallelism between lines, where corresponding elements are balanced in both vertical and horizontal relationships. The regulated verse is more complex and structured, adding an additional layer of harmony to the poem.