What are the main features of the couplet?

1. Uniqueness and Universality

It is generally believed that couplets are the most unique literary form in China. Its uniqueness is mainly reflected in its structure and language.

2. Parasitism and inclusiveness

The so-called parasitism means that the couplet is derived from the parallel words and idioms of ancient Chinese poetry. In short, it is a pair of Parallel couplets, therefore, can be parasitic in various literary styles.

3. Practicality and artistry

As mentioned above, couplets are a form of Chinese classical literature. They are of course literary and artistic. They are based on poems, lyrics, music, etc. Unprecedented flexibility and perfection reflect the language art of Chinese characters.

4. Popularity and elegance

People often say that the couplets are both elegant and popular, and this is absolutely true. Just imagine, there is another kind of literary form, like couplets, which is loved by scholars and literati at the top, and is loved by women and children at the bottom. It can not only enter the tower of ivory, but also enter the folk of Longmu, and be both the snow in spring and the people of Lower Liba. Woolen cloth? What is this wonderful unity all about?

The reason is that couplets are an art that is both simple and complex, pure and rich. As mentioned above, the rules of couplets are not complicated, especially regarding the color and style of language, subject matter, and There are no requirements for content. It is generally very short and widely used in social life. Unlike other literary forms that wear an elegant face, it is easy to learn, understand, remember, and not difficult to write.

5. Seriousness

Generally speaking, literature and art are serious, and people are opposed to unserious creative attitudes in literature and language. But for couplets, the situation is different. There are serious creations in couplets, and there are also sexual ones. For example, the door couplet of the "Yizhi Higher Girls' School" in Pingyang, Zhejiang, which was founded in the 27th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty (1901), reads "De Zhang Minzhi is enlightened; academic leaders lead women's rights and Bing Yaofeng". Its style is elegant and serious.

Extended information:

There are two biggest features of couplets. One feature is that they must be highly "symmetrical". The number of words, pronunciation, rhythm, part of speech and other aspects of the upper and lower sentences must be consistent. To achieve a kind of symmetry, it is to reflect the "pair" characteristics of the couplet. Another feature is correlation. The contents of the upper and lower sentences must be related, reflecting the "connection" characteristics of the couplet.

Baidu Encyclopedia-Couplet