On the Aesthetic Implication of Tang Legend's Poetic Realization -- By Taking "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" and "Legend of Everlasting Sorrow" as Examples

Abstract

The novel has always been in a lower position in the history of ancient Chinese literature precisely because it does not belong to orthodox literature and can develop freely without restraint. As a representative, the Tang Legend as "Synthesis of Various Styles" in the Tang Legend's art system is an inevitable trend in developing ancient novels. Accordingly, it has inclusive and expansive internal tension that can absorb the advantages of various literary genres and forms. By analysing the politicisation of the Tang legend, this essay will take the famous Tang legend pieces Legend of Everlasting Sorrow and the narrative poem of this story, Song of Everlasting Sorrow, as examples and discuss them around the three parts, Shicai, Shibi and Discussions, thus showing the characteristics of the poeticisation of Tang legend. Through analysis of Shicai, the Tang legend are a body of lyrical works that, although partially drawn on historical records' veracity, also introduce unexpected turns to keep and attract readers' attention. By referring to the Tang Dynasty's talent selection method, these two works show the talent of fiction, imagination, and exaggeration through the use of the Shibi. The Discussion could even relate to abstract truths and accomplish the goal and needs of social propaganda. Combining these three factors ensures that the Tang legend represented by these masterpieces, Legend of Everlasting Sorrow and Song of Everlasting Sorrow, remains a source of inspiration and a significant reference for literary and artistic works.