Tong Quji’s Biography - Liu Zongyuan
/童区寄传 - 柳宗元/
A Prose Portrait Rather Than a Poem
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Although your request mentions “the details of the poem,” Liu Zongyuan’s “童区寄传” (Tong Quji’s Biography) is actually a short prose work, not a poem. Liu Zongyuan (773–819), a prominent writer and poet of the Tang Dynasty, composed a variety of literary forms—including essays, travel accounts, fables, and poems—many of which critique social ills or reflect on philosophical themes.
“童区寄传” specifically is written in a biographical or anecdotal style rather than verse. It narrates certain traits, actions, or experiences of an individual named Tong Quji, possibly to illustrate a moral or cultural point. Much like Liu Zongyuan’s more famous prose pieces—such as “捕蛇者说” (On the Snake-Catcher)—this text combines vivid description with social commentary.
Because it is not a poem, “童区寄传” does not contain lines of verse or poetic devices in the sense of Tang poetry. Instead, it follows the classical Chinese prose tradition. Should you be interested in Liu Zongyuan’s actual poetry, notable works include “江雪” (River Snow) and “渔翁” (The Fisherman), both celebrated for their concise imagery and contemplative tone.
If you wish to learn more about “童区寄传” in detail—its narrative, historical context, or critical interpretations—you can refer to annotated Chinese literary collections or specialized studies on Liu Zongyuan’s essays. These resources will delve into how the piece fits into his broader contributions to Tang literature, but it’s important to note that it is indeed prose, not verse.
Key points
1. “童区寄传” is a short prose piece or anecdotal biography by Liu Zongyuan, not a poem.
2. Liu Zongyuan excelled in multiple genres; while many know him for his poetry, he was equally influential as a prose stylist.
3. For Liu Zongyuan’s verse, notable poems include “江雪” and “渔翁,” emblematic of his reflective and succinct style.