《周南·芣苢》艺术解读——兼谈《国风》的艺术特质与研究方法

An Artistic Interpretation of Zhounan o Fuyi: A Discussion of Artistic Features of and Research Approaches to Guofeng

本文以《周南.芣苢》为例,从“歌”的角度,对《诗经.国风》的艺术特质及其艺术成就作出分析。文中认为,《诗经.国风》从本质上是用来演唱的“歌”而不是用来在案头阅读的“诗”,它与传统的文人诗有不同的文体特征,并在长久的艺术实践中形成了诸如章句的重复,套式、套语的使用,中心词语的锤炼,情景的推进等一系列“歌”的写作(演唱)技巧。从“歌”的角度来研究《诗经.国风》,可以更好地认识其艺术本质,解释其艺术审美的奥秘,探索中国古代诗歌创作发展的规律。

Taking Zhounan o Fuyi as an exemplary text,this article makes an analysis of the artistic features and accomplishments of Guofeng(literally,folksongs of ancient principalities)in The Book of Songs.The article argues that,as what constitute Guofeng are essentially “songs”,meant to be sung,not “poems” to be read,it displays different stylistic features from traditional poetry produced by men of letters.Resulting from time-honored artistic practices,the features include a series of techniques in composing(and singing)“songs”,such as the repetition of lines(the refrain),the employment of set patterns and platitudes,the refinement of central terms,and the propulsion of scenes.To study Guofeng as “songs” enables us to see its artistic nature better,which makes possible the explication of its artistic mystery and,ultimately,the exploration of Chinese ancient poetry for its law of development.