再论玄言诗的定义与分类

More about the Definition and Classification of Metaphysical Poems

玄言诗长期处于被忽视、被否定的尴尬境地,近年这种研究局面有所改观,但对一些基本问题———如定义与分类———的认识仍存在较大分歧。于此提出:玄言诗是魏晋特殊人文环境下作为上层士人体玄慕道的高雅生活之补充和组成部分的、以玄学思想为旨归的文人言志诗;应分为直言玄理类、游仙体道类、山水悟道类。

For a long time in history metaphysical poetry of the Wei and Jin periods was either neglected or rejected by critics. Though in recent years there has been a revival of interest in it, critics differ greatly in its definition and classification. Some suggest that metaphysical poetry is an expression of the aspiration of a special group of intellectuals in the Wei and Jin Periods for the meditative and hermit-like life that was advocated by Taoists, and as such it can be classified into three types: one that philosophizes about Taoist ideas, one that expresses Taoist philosophy by depicting reveries and esoteric experiences, and one that tries to find parallels between nature and Taoism.