Poetry expressing ambition is the understanding of China ancient literary critics on the essential characteristics of poetry. The idea of "expressing ambition with poetry" has sprouted in the author's description of the purpose of writing poetry in The Book of Songs. As a theoretical term, it was first mentioned in Zuo Zhuan's Twenty-seven Years of "xianggong" that Zhao Wenzi told Xiang Shu to "express his ambition through poetry".
Later, the saying that "poetry expresses ambition" became more common. Shun said in Yao Dian: "Poetry expresses ambition, songs often say, voices are constant, and law is harmonious." "Zhuangzi Tianxiapian" said: "Poetry is based on Tao." "Xunzi Confucianism" said: "Poetry is its ambition."
Interpretation of later generations
Because of the rich content of "ambition" itself and the different emphasis of understanding and choice, the opposition between "expressing ambition" and "destiny" in later poetic theories is caused. The theory of "poetry expressing ambition" has evolved into two schools: emphasizing reason and emotion.
The rationalist school emphasizes the political enlightenment of poetry, but often ignores the artistic characteristics of literature; On the other hand, the sentimental school emphasizes the lyrical characteristics of poetry and attaches importance to the discussion of the artistic laws of poetry. However, throughout the history of literature, the mainstream understanding of the connotation of "ambition" in "poetry expressing ambition" is to pay equal attention to emotion.
From Preface to Mao Poetry to Liu Xie, Kong and Bai Juyi, and even to Ye Xie and Wang Fuzhi in Qing Dynasty. They emphasize that poetry should not only reflect reality and serve education, but also attach importance to its social role; It is also necessary to express feelings and aspirations, blend feelings and things, and highlight its lyricism; Pay equal attention to emotion, utility and artistry will not be neglected.