Jiang Teli’s Verse on Poetry and Poetics

Jiang Teli, a poet of the Southern Song Dynasty, composed numerous verses on poetics. Many of these works serve as self-reflections, articulating Jiang’s passion for creation and emphasis on literary reputation. Furthermore, his poetry systematically expounds his theoretical thoughts through four perspectives. First is the critical view, emphasizing the difficulty of finding true connoisseurs and the discernment of quality. Second is the functional view, advocating the inheritance of the traditions of feng, representing social realism and satirical moral instruction, and ya, reflecting upright governance and political oversight and reflection on political realities. Third is the creative view, focusing on grasping the huofa, flexible methods, to broaden poetic momentum. Finally, the stylistic view promotes an aesthetic that is austere, natural, yet flavorful.