A New Explanation of the Connotation and Poetic Significance of “Poetry Springs from Emotions and Hence Reads Beautifully” in Rhapsody on Literature

Authors

Yanfeng Cai
Xiaoli Wei

Abstract

Traditionally, “poetry springs from emotions and hence reads beautifully” in Rhapsody on Literature has been interpreted primarily within the poetic context of expressing emotions and aspirations, often overlooking the broader connotation of “emotion” and the logical relationship between “springing from emotions” (yuanqing) and “beautiful” (qimi). Two key concepts are essential in understanding of this sentence. The first is “emotions”, which has been widely used to denote an objective state, essence, and reality since the pre-Qin era. Recognizing the objective meaning of “emotion” is crucial for a correct understanding of the poetic connotation of “springing from emotions”. The second key point is the choice of “hence” rather than “and” in this statement. This statement offers a generalization of the style and method of poetry itself. The objective connotation of “emotion” shifts it from being merely the source of poetry to the object of poetic expression. This shift represents Lu Ji’s significant contribution to the development of lyric poetry, and is key to explaining the poetic significance of “springing from emotions”.

Keywords

emotion, connotation, springing from emotions, the object, poetic significance

First Page

111

Last Page

122

Recommended Citation

Cai, Yanfeng, and Xiaoli Wei. 2025. "A New Explanation of the Connotation and Poetic Significance of “Poetry Springs from Emotions and Hence Reads Beautifully” in Rhapsody on Literature." Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art 44, (6): pp.111-122. https://tsla.researchcommons.org/journal/vol44/iss6/12