The Reputation for Poetry in Later Tang Dynasty: A Perspective from the Sociology of Literature

Author: Hsiao-Feng Chung(Holistic Education Center, Fu Jen Catholic University)

Vol.&No.：Vol. 57, No. 1
Date：March 2012
Pages：71-102
DOI：10.3966/207451922012035701004

Abstract：

Many Later Tang poets were aware of the importance of “the reputation for poetry” and regarded it as the symbol of the individual life. The populace worshiped and respected those poets has reputation of poetry already in the Middle Tang. It has become social convention and selfawareness of most poets in later Tang Dynasties. This phenomenon has a close relationship with the imperial examination system and literature tradition. This article will discuss the change of “the reputation for poetry” first form Middle Tang to Later Tang. The reputation for poetry became social value and literature capital which many poets emphasized unceasingly during the Later Tang Dynasty. The declaration of the reputation of poets is not only the theory of creating, but also the interaction of society and poets. Therefore, this article explains the function and meaning of “the reputation for poetry” and its influence on the consciousness of the creator and social behavior. In the end, the poet of the Later Tang Dynasty believed that “the reputation for poetry” could make the creator immortal. This idea has become the belief that the achievement of creation is more important than a political career. Findings from this research can help clarify understanding that a creator how to appraise the meaning and value of his poetry during the Later Tang Dynasty. Moreover, the interaction and relationship of the poet and society facilitates introspection of the history of Later Tang Dynasty poetry.

Keywords：immortal, social, Later Tang Dynasty, the reputation for poetry

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