A critical study of the pavilion prose writing of Northern Song = 北宋亭記散文研究

Abstract

During the Northern Song dynasty, prose achieved remarkable accomplishments, particular in pavilion prose writing, which demonstrated a rare combination of practicality and aesthetics. Throughout history, scholar－officials have placed special emphasis on the stylistic features of argumentative writing within the imperial context. In the present era, the literary value of pavilion prose writing remains largely neglected. Mainstream research on Song dynasty literature has predominantly centered on the language style and thoughts found in Song lyrics.

This thesis aims to address this gap though a textual analysis of pavilion prose writing of the Northern Song. The introduction provides a comprehensive study on the definition and characteristics of pavilion prose writing. The main body of this thesis examines and explores the core writings within this genre. The subsequent chapters interpret the philosophical ideals expressed by the writers through pavilion prose writing and evaluate the rhetorical devices used. It is worth mentioning that pavilions were not often an identifiable place; in this context, writers employed depictions of scenery from the pavilion to express their longing for life. This approach developed a unique perspective that elevates seemingly unadorned structures to a profound level and establishing the stylistic features of the pavilion prose writing.