Abstract
In the original manuscript of Wang Guowei's Poetic Remarks in the Human World, the phrase ‘yao miao yi xiu’ (delicate beauty, fittingly adorned), used to describe the characteristics of ci poetry, has been widely praised by scholars. However, this particular passage was omitted from the officially published version. Researchers have either overlooked this omission or expressed doubts about it. This paper argues that the discussion of ‘delicate beauty, fittingly adorned’ and the distinction between shi poetry and ci poetry reflects Wang Guowei's early views on ci poetry, which differ from the newer ideas presented in this book. The newer ideas in Poetic Remarks in the Human World center on the concept of ‘realm’ (jingjie) with modern aesthetic implications, and on his later belief in the unity of shi poetry and ci poetry. The passage on ‘delicate beauty, fittingly adorned’ is largely a compilation of earlier theories on ci poetry, and the brief remarks on the distinction between shi poetry and ci poetry merely continue prior discussions, lacking substantial theoretical innovation. For this reason, it was excluded from the final version. A thorough and systematic interpretation of the passage on ‘delicate beauty, fittingly adorned’ is nevertheless of great significance for understanding Wang Guowei's evolving thoughts on ci poetry.
Keywords
Wang Guowei, Poetic Remarks in the Human World, Yao Miao Yi Xiu (delicate beauty, fittingly adorned), distinction between shi poetry and ci poetry
First Page
1
Last Page
11
Recommended Citation
Sun, Keqiang. 2025. "Acceptance and Rejection of “Delicate Beauty, Fittingly Adorned” (Yao Miao Yi Xiu): A New Perspective on Wang Guowei's Ci-Poetry Studies." Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art 45, (2): pp.1-11. https://tsla.researchcommons.org/journal/vol45/iss2/1
