Comparison between Han Yu and Pai Chu-i

Kawai Kozo

doi:10.14989/177465

Han Yü and Pai Chu-i rank among the most important literati in the the T'ang dynasty. Both of them are free from traditional fixed forms and create new styles which have significant influence on Song literature. Yet they differ in many aspects. Han Yü can best be characterized as one seeking "opposition", while Pai Chu-i resolves to "reconciliation". Such contrast manifests itself in many ways. On the whole, they are both contemptuous and aloof to public opinions about their works, and resort mainly to their own judgements. The works which they value most are generally disregarded, and those they disregard generally valued. Their reactions, however, are completely different. While Han Yü stands firm against his times, and tries to live up to the principles of "returning to antiquity", Pai Chu-i accepts such disregard and is contended that his poems be enjoyed only by himself and his intimate friends. Han Yü looks up to Yang Hsiung 揚雄 as his ideal, because Yang Hsiung does not allow himself to be sullied by the world and carries through his convictions in solitude. Yang Hsiung has in fact been portrayed as typical of the solitary philosopher in the poems written by Tso Ssü 左思 and Pao Chao 鮑照. Pao Chao has written "He renounces the world and the world deserts him" 身世兩相棄. Paraphrasing this famous phrase, Pai Chu-i often says, "I have forgot the world and the world has forgot me" 身世兩相忘. Changing only　one word, he brings out very precisely the indifference he feels　between himself and the world. He remains rather composed despite such opposition, and proclaims himself satisfied and independent of the world. Han Yü is much more self-conscious than Pai Chu-i and he often caricatures himself in his poetry. Such self-caricature and humourous tone which are absent in Pai Chu-i's poetry is very much a result of Han's characteristic spirit of "opposition". Pai Chu-i avoids such opposition and prefers the "middle". He tries to satisfy himself in the middle of every situation. There are many phrases of "neither A nor B", for example, "neither young nor old", "neither high position nor low position". This suggests that he prefers to accept his situation and is pleased with the present. A "Middle-seclusion" 中隱between officialdom and seclusion is the typical attitude of his reconciliation. Comparison between Han Yü and Pai Chu-i sets off the characteristics of their literature from eath other, illustrating the powerfulness of Han Yü and the gentleness of Pai Chu-i.

Comparison between Han Yu and Pai Chu-i

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