Two Issues in Interpretation of the Preface to Treatise on Poetry and Fu of Literature Record in Book of Han

In the preface to Treatise on Poetry and Fu of Literature Record in Book of Han, the term fu, rhyme-prose, refers to a mode of expression. The content of such recitation depends on the specific context and practical issues at hand. In other words, it is not confined to any single canonical text. Certainly, it is not confined to The Book of Songs. Furthermore, fu as a literary genre did not originate from the duties of the ancient kings’ senior officials. Instead, it stemmed from the high-ranking officials’ responsibilities of the feudal lords. The claim that their works capture the sentimental resonance of ancient poetry is highly revealing. In their fu, XUN Qing and QU Yuan lament ancient poetry fell into neglection. To interpret their ideas accurately, we need uncover and articulate these underlying connotations.