Abstract
This paper examines the concepts of “blandness (dan)”and “lyrical self” within the context of the Chinese lyrical tradition, which stems from the discovery and contemplation upon the “subjectivity” inherent in lyricism. Drawing upon the unity of aspiration-expression (yanzhi) and emotion-release (shuqing) in Chinese culture, the paper analyzes the relationship between blandness and the lyrical self through the lenses of lyrical tradition and Zhuangzi studies. By engaging with the three aspects of “subjectivity,” “inscape” and “object-self relationship,” the paper explores the how blandness evolves into a collective value, ideal, and inscape, as well as its manifestation in literature and the arts. Furthermore, the paper examines the development of blandness in the theories of music, poetry, calligraphy, and painting, offering a reevaluation of its stylistic significance and its status and value within the Chinese lyrical tradition.
Keywords
blandness (dan), category, lyrical self, Chinese lyrical tradition, aesthetics
First Page
172
Last Page
182
Recommended Citation
Zhou, Cao. 2024. "“Blandness” and “Lyrical Self”: Re-examining the Category of “Blandness” from the Perspective of Lyrical Tradition." Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art 44, (4): pp.172-182. https://tsla.researchcommons.org/journal/vol44/iss4/18
