After a recap of the period concepts of harmony, flexibility, ritual/past, existence, cultural insight, emptiness, nature, and reality, we began to analyze the literature piece, “Spring in Wu-Ling.” After reading it out loud, we discussed the meanings and concepts that emerge within the piece. Li Ch’ing Chao used the form of poetry to say what she could not say in real life and she intended to express the feelings evoked at that particular moment, to cultivate insight, and to enlighten. The piece is about the struggle with overwhelming melancholy that prevents Li Ch’ing Chao from moving on. Her surroundings are in harmony but her sense of loss and sorrow prevent her from re-building her life and re-discovering her individuality. She understands that she must accept her loss but taking the steps towards it has been her biggest challenge.
After going through the analysis, we began to piece together period concepts that appeared throughout the poem. The concept of connectedness to people in Confucianism is reflected in Li Ch’ing Chao’s recognition that “everything in the world is right” yet she is wrong. In other words, she is striving towards the Way and finding happiness once again but she still dwells in the past. She contemplates going out to Double Creek to go boating, which symbolizes reaching a peace of mind and acceptance. However, she fears that her misery would cause the boats to not budge. The concept of individuality is embodied in Daoism and it has been said that one can set ambitions but if he or she is not in the right mindset and is not truly devoted, they cannot be successful. Buddhism emphasizes the need to let go of memories, moments, people, and possessions, but Li Ch’ing Chao struggles to internalize this mindset. Her grief pulls her in one direction while her logic pulls her in the other.
I have always enjoyed doing literature analysis and seeking the deeper meanings below the surface. Because we had done some analysis in HUMN 2001, I felt that it was easier to connect the period concepts to the literature. While the distinctions between Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism are still a bit blurry, I am hoping that further reading and lectures will create more distinctions.
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