Seven-character poems and seven-character quatrains are two common forms of poetry in China's ancient poetry tradition. Seven words means that the number of words in a poem is seven words. Rhyme means to write according to the rules of rhyme, while quatrains mean that you can express your thoughts and feelings more freely without strictly observing the constraints of rhyme.
Seven-character verse is a very old and serious form of poetry. It requires that the number of words in each poem is strictly seven words, and the rhyme, level tone and rhyme of each sentence need to be created according to the rules of metrical poetry. Rhyme originated in Han Dynasty and reached its peak in Tang Dynasty. Seven poems in the Tang Dynasty, such as "Mountain Shades the Day" and "Lusu", are all classics of seven-character poems.
Seven-character metrical poems strictly abide by the rules of metrical poems, so they are more solemn and elegant in language expression and give people a rigorous aesthetic feeling. Corresponding to this is the seven-character quatrain, which is a relatively free form of seven-character poetry. Seven-character quatrains have no strict requirements for metrical poems, and they can express their thoughts and feelings more freely.
Its form is more flexible and can be played at will, so it is more direct and concise in expression. Seven-character quatrains first appeared in the Tang Dynasty and were widely developed and applied in the Song Dynasty. Seven-character quatrains are closer to people's spoken language and natural rhyme in expression, so they are closer to life and readers' feelings.
Characteristics and charm of seven-character poems and seven-character quatrains
Seven-character poems and seven-character quatrains have their own characteristics and charm. With its strict rules and solemn expression, the seven-character rhyme gives people a sense of ancient rhyme and solemnity. The restraint of rhythmic poetry can make the poet more cautious in expression and highlight the theme and emotion through the form of poetry. Therefore, seven-character poems often have profound connotations and high artistic expression.
It makes people feel the charm of an ancient culture and endows poetry with the power to transcend daily life experience. In contrast, seven-character quatrains are more free and flexible. Not bound by metrical poems, it can be closer to people's daily spoken language and feelings. Seven-character quatrains can directly touch people's emotions and thoughts through concise and powerful expressions. Its high freedom in form enables poets to express their thoughts and feelings more freely.