Between Synchronization and Differentiation: Jin Shengtan's Engagement with Du Fu's Poetry

Abstract

This thesis examines the Ming (1368-1644) literatus Jin Shengtan’s (ca. 1608-1661) commentaries on Du Fu’s (712-770) poetry and his imitation of Du Fu. The first chapter focuses on Jin Shengtan’s commentaries on Du Fu’s poem series “Autumn Stirrings Eight Poems,” analyzing how Jin Shengtan, through evoking conflicts within the poems, has dramatized the image of Du Fu and also created a particular image for himself. Chapter Two looks at a few poems Jin Shengtan wrote in the style of Du Fu, exploring the specific elements Jin Shengtan has vitalized or glossed over, and further, investigating how he has employed the imitation as a vehicle for establishing his own discourse in a certain social-political context. Jin Shengtan’s engagement with Du Fu’s poetry has us reflect upon his role as both a literary critic and a poet. This thesis intends to show that in Jin Shengtan’s handling of Du Fu’s poems, he is synchronizing with Du Fu while at the same time he is also differentiating himself from Du Fu.