Fu (poetry)

Fu (賦) is a form of Chinese rhymed prose, a major literary genre that flourished from the Han dynasty onwards. It is characterized by its blend of prose and verse, combining detailed description and argumentation with poetic rhythm and rhyme. While often translated as "rhyme-prose," "rhapsody," or "descriptive poetry," none of these fully captures the nuances of the genre.

Key Characteristics:

• Structure: Fu typically follows a specific structural pattern. It usually begins with a prose introduction establishing the subject and setting, followed by a lengthy and elaborate description of the topic, often employing extensive parallelism and ornate language. The main body of the fu is often divided into sections with their own internal rhyme schemes. The conclusion typically offers a moral lesson or philosophical reflection related to the subject.
• Language: Fu is renowned for its rich and descriptive language, often employing rare or archaic words and literary allusions. It often utilizes parallelism, antithesis, and a wide range of rhetorical devices to create a sense of grandeur and artistry.
• Subject Matter: The subject matter of fu is diverse, ranging from natural phenomena (e.g., wind, rain, mountains) and objects (e.g., capitals, musical instruments, hunting parks) to philosophical concepts and historical events. The fu often uses these concrete subjects as a vehicle for exploring broader themes related to morality, politics, or the human condition.
• Length: Fu are generally longer than standard Chinese poems (shi 詩). They can range from a few hundred characters to several thousand.
• Rhyme: While written partly in prose, fu employs rhyme at key points, often at the end of phrases or sentences, to create a sense of rhythm and musicality. The rhyming pattern can vary depending on the specific fu and the preferences of the author.

Historical Development:

• Origins: The fu form is believed to have evolved from the earlier sao 騷 poetry of the Chu state during the Warring States period. The Chu Ci (楚辭), or Songs of Chu, is considered an important precursor to the fu.
• Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE): The Han dynasty is considered the golden age of the fu. Prominent fu writers of this period include Sima Xiangru (司馬相如), Yang Xiong (揚雄), and Ban Gu (班固). Han dynasty fu often celebrated the power and glory of the imperial court and the vastness of the empire.
• Later Dynasties: The fu form continued to be practiced throughout subsequent dynasties, although its popularity fluctuated. While no longer as dominant as during the Han dynasty, important fu writers emerged in the Wei-Jin period, the Tang dynasty, and later periods.

Significance:

The fu form played a significant role in the development of Chinese literature. It demonstrated the versatility of the Chinese language, its capacity for detailed description and elaborate argumentation, and its potential for artistic expression. The fu also provided a means for writers to engage with contemporary issues, express their philosophical views, and showcase their erudition.