Abstract
"Qi" (vital force) and "Vein" are very important for traditional Chinese medicine and geomancy, and they are significant categories in ancient Chinese literary theory as well. The relationship between "Qi" and "Vein" relates to the meaning of the compound phrase "Qimai." When the two-character phrase is of subordinate structure, it refers to a channel by which "Qi" flows in a literary text. When it is of parallel structure, the phrase points to the filling-up of "Vein" by "Qi" and the controlling of "Qi" by "Vein." The evolution of the concept of "Wenqi" (literary vital force) makes possible the concept of "Qimai." In the process of composition and appreciation, the author focuses on "Yi" (meaning), "Li" (principle) and "Xiang" (image) in the text, as well as the syntax, discursive grammar, rhyme scheme and rhythm. While the multidimensional relation between "Qi" and "Vein" is revealed in the process, "Qi" runs between the author, the text and the reader, reflecting a higher requirement of "Vein."
First Page
143
Last Page
149
Recommended Citation
Xiong, Xiang. 2013. "An Investigation into the Relationship between the Categories "Qi" and "Vein" in Ancient Literary Theory." Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art 33, (4): pp.143-149. https://tsla.researchcommons.org/journal/vol33/iss4/6
