Applying eight-legged essay techniques to poetic theories:on Liu Xizai's concept"genre-transcending"
In the Qing Dynasty,scholars aimed to forge new paths in poetic theories,moving beyond traditional frameworks while capturing contemporary characteristics.The influence of the eight-legged essay in Qing literature is notable,and it was within this context of flourishing writing styles that Liu Xizai proposed his concept of"genre-transcending"by applying eight-legged essay techniques to poetic composition.Liu Xizai draws from eight-legged essay elements,such as thematic conceptualization,structural organization,content development,and topic emphasis to elucidate poetic creation.He posited that eight-legged essay possessed intrinsic literary elements and values,asserting that its compositional principles shared affinities with poetic methodologies.Consequently,he advocated for the judicious extraction and application of beneficial compositional techniques from the eight-legged essay to poetry creation.Liu's affirmation of employing eight-legged essay techniques in poetry reflects his adherence to the principle of"genre evolution"in literary development.This approach manifests his expansive perspective on the interconnectedness and evolution of literary genres within his broader aethetic and theoretical framework.
eight-legged essay techniquesLiu Xizaigenre-transcendingYi GaiYou Yi Yue Yan