A Study on Representations of the Yellow Crane Tower in Tang and Song Literature

• Main Author: 周愛倫
• Other Authors: 李貞慧
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/83128395639495098087

碩士 === 國立清華大學 === 中國文學系 === 101 === There is an abundance of different representations of the Yellow Crane Tower in the field of Chinese literature. Such works not only are rich in aesthetic value but also reveal the collective intrinsic consciousness of scholars in their respective periods. This article aims to focus on the latter part, with emphasis on literature in the Tang and Song dynasties. I aspire to observe the historical development of the Yellow Crane Tower and construct a comprehensive picture of the collective intrinsic consciousness of the literati in each period, focusing especially on the following points: Firstly, to point out the close relationship of the Yellow Crane Tower with its environment by discussing the historical, social and geographical background of each dynasty, and secondly, to discuss the influence that such backgrounds had on literature styles. Through examining the works of literati in various periods, this paper will also find connections between writing characteristics in each time period, and discover recurring themes in works involving the Yellow Crane Tower, such as subject matters, historical anecdotes, imagery, and personalities of the characters mentioned. This way, I hope to uncover deeper meanings behind each work, and also show how the spiritual image of the Tower was to the literati as a collective. In conclusion, I hope to demonstrate with this paper that the Yellow Crane Tower is not merely used as a background setting device in literature, but also has its special meaning and unique value.