『中州集』 ‘小傳’에 담긴 元好問의 詩學적 見解 고찰

Abstract

The present study reviewed the poetic perspectives of “The Biographical Outline” within Yuan-Haowen’s “Zhong Zhou Ji.” Accordingly, the poetic views in “The Biographical Outline” were analyzed based on the categories set in reference to the past studies on Yuan Haowen’s poetic theories. The analyses are as follows: First, in “The Biographical Outline” of “Zhong Zhou Ji,” the idea of the literature and the overall literary society of the Jin(金) dynasty seems to have been well-reflected. Hence, it argued that Jin(金) Dynasty’s literature should be viewed not as a mere appendage of that of Song(宋) Dynasty’s literaturebut as an original work in itself. Also, it harshly condemned the evil customs that had greatly diffused throughout society after the capital relocation due to the Mongol(蒙古) invasion. Second, various records in “The Biographical Outline” reflected Yuan Haowen’s “以誠爲本” argument on the fundamentals of literary composition. Third, most records of the text emphasized the importance of extensive reading and education. It also highlighted the close connection between reading and literary composition. Fourth, various portions of the text also argued against artificial and depthless embellishments in poetry writing. It claims that although literary elaboration is necessary, it should be proceeded latently, at the level of “不欲見斧鑿痕”. Finally, most of the text discussed each author’s prose style and its assessment of the works in integration with records of the author’s personal history and anecdotes. This narrative method was a direct portrayal of the “知人論世” method of literary criticism, which addresses the need to review not only the author’s works but also their individual traits. In summary, the above analyses can lead to two conclusions: First, Yuan Haowen’s various poetic views and arguments were extensively reflected in “The Biographical Outline” of “Zhong Zhou Ji.” Second, the poetic views within “The Biographical Outline” of “Zhong Zhou Ji,” as one of Yuan Haowen’s later works, can be seen to have been in parallel with his early poetic opinions in the context of fundamental principles, preconditions and methods of literary composition, along with approaches to literary criticism.