The Russian Imaginary and Modern Chinese Poetry in Taiwan

Abstract

Russia in Taiwanese literature is a topic that has received little scholarly attention. Although Russian literature in translation has been available in Taiwan since the Japanese Occupation period, the selections and receptions contrast sharply from those in mainland China due to geopolitical reasons. This article begins with an overview of the introduction of Russian literature into Taiwan in the twentieth century. Then it focuses on the Russian imaginary in modern Chinese poetry in Taiwan as represented by two major poets: Ya Xian and Yang Mu. Rather than an influence study, this article is an exploration of the multiple ways in which Russia functions semantically, structurally, and sonically in the poems.