Classic of Poetry 6/2/2013

Rhetoric, Virtue, and Morals in Early Chinese Poetry

The Classic of Poetry is so influential in teaching rhetoric, virtue, and morals that Confucius saw it as a “comprehensive educational program” (757) that could provide its readers with the “capacity for communication” (757) as well as the ability to dutifully serve one’s father and God. Based on various poems from the anthology, it is evident that the virtues of patience, politeness, obedience, and purity were highly regarded in early Chinese society. For example, the repetition of the line, “Gentle maiden, pure and fair” (3) in “Fishhawk” serves to teach both the rhetorical significance of repetition as well as the virtue of purity. The speaker repeatedly praises the female subject for being pure, thus serving as a model of behavior to which young girls should adhere.

“Zhonhzi, Please” further demonstrates the emphasis on the virtue of purity as the speaker begs Zhonhzi to stay away from her despite the fact that “he may be in [her] thoughts,” (22) since she fears her family and society will not approve. Several lines are repeated throughout the poem, and an emphasis on the value of politeness is evident through the girl’s dismissal of Zhonhzi, as she continuously begs him to “please” (1) stay away. Moreover, “Zhonhzi, Please” teaches good morals by advising young girls to resist temptation and suppress their desires as they should instead display obedience to their parents and the expectations of society.

Finally, “Huge Rat” serves as a model of using comparison, namely metaphor, in writing to convey a particular sentiment or grievance. The poem is politically charged, comparing someone in authority to a huge rat that has been taking advantage of the speaker while “show[ing] no gratitude” (12). Rhyme is used sporadically throughout the anthology; the meter of the poems certainly carries more significance. The morals and virtues expressed appear to be directed more toward the expected behavior of women rather than humanity in general, but the themes are universal nonetheless. 

 Works Cited

“Classic of Poetry.” The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Ed. Martin Puchner. Vol. I.  

            New York: W. W. Norton &, 2013. 756-759. Print.

“Fishhawk.” The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Ed. Martin Puchner. Vol. I.  New York: 

            W. W. Norton &, 2013. 759-760. Print.

 “Huge Rat.” The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Ed. Martin Puchner. Vol. I.  New York: 

            W. W. Norton &, 2013. 764. Print.

“Zhongzi, Please.” The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Ed. Martin Puchner. Vol. I.  New 

            York: W.W. Norton &, 2013. 762. Print.