The Life, Literary Criticism, and Poetry of Yuan Mei (1716-1798)

Yuan Mei (1716-1798) was a prolific Chinese poet, essayist, and literary critic who lived during the Qing dynasty. He is best known for his advocacy of individualism and his emphasis on the importance of personal experience in poetry. Yuan Mei's work had a profound influence on the development of Chinese literature, and he is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Chinese poetry.

Life

Yuan Mei was born in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, in 1716. His father was a wealthy merchant, and Yuan Mei received a privileged education. He began writing poetry at a young age, and by the time he was in his twenties, he had already established himself as a rising star in the literary world.

In 1748, Yuan Mei passed the imperial examinations and entered government service. He held various official posts throughout his career, but he never abandoned his passion for literature. He continued to write poetry and essays, and he also became a respected literary critic.

Harmony Garden: The Life, Literary Criticism, and Poetry of Yuan Mei (1716-1798)

by J. D. Schmidt

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12607 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	786 pages
Hardcover	:	107 pages
Item Weight	:	7.7 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.46 x 9 inches

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Yuan Mei retired from government service in 1779, and he spent the rest of his life living in Hangzhou. He continued to write and publish poetry and essays until his death in 1798.

Literary Criticism

Yuan Mei was one of the most influential literary critics of his time. He believed that poetry should be a reflection of the poet's own personal experience, and he rejected the traditional view that poetry should be used to teach moral lessons. Yuan Mei also advocated for the use of colloquial language in poetry, and he believed that poets should not be afraid to express their emotions in their work.

Yuan Mei's literary criticism had a profound influence on the development of Chinese poetry. He helped to create a more open and expressive style of poetry, and he encouraged poets to explore their own personal experiences and emotions in their work.

Poetry

Yuan Mei was a prolific poet, and he wrote in a wide variety of styles. He is best known for his landscape poems, which are characterized by their vivid imagery and their deep appreciation for the natural world. Yuan Mei also wrote many poems about his personal life, and these poems often reveal his deep sense of compassion and his love for humanity.

Yuan Mei's poetry is highly regarded for its beauty and its originality. He is considered one of the greatest poets of the Qing dynasty, and his work continues to be read and admired today.

Legacy

Yuan Mei was a major figure in the history of Chinese literature. His literary criticism helped to create a more open and expressive style of poetry, and his poetry continues to be read and admired today. Yuan Mei's legacy is one of individualism and creativity, and he is considered one of the most important figures in the development of Chinese literature.

Yuan Mei was a prolific poet, essayist, and literary critic who lived during the Qing dynasty. He is best known for his advocacy of individualism and his emphasis on the importance of personal experience in poetry. Yuan Mei's work had a profound influence on the development of Chinese literature, and he is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Chinese poetry.

Harmony Garden: The Life, Literary Criticism, and Poetry of Yuan Mei (1716-1798)

by J. D. Schmidt

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12607 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	786 pages
Hardcover	:	107 pages
Item Weight	:	7.7 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.46 x 9 inches

FREE