Even in the Republic of China decades ago, literacy was regarded as an important skill. Why is the life of Du Fu, a famous poet in Tang Dynasty so miserable?
Ability problem
Under the influence of film and television dramas, many people think that under the ancient imperial examination system, as long as you study hard and pass the imperial examination, you can become famous, and you don't have to worry about food, clothing, housing and transportation. But this is actually a misunderstanding.
Because in ancient times, being an official not only dealt with interpersonal relationships in officialdom, but also involved the ability to handle official business. Du Fu is good at poetry. Poets are not necessarily adapted to being officials. Therefore, some literati in history who were tired of the complicated situation of officialdom chose to resign after being a small official for a period of time.
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In addition, the imperial examination is also very casual. Some scholars who have a great influence on later generations' literature often don't get the reputation they deserve all their lives. For example, Pu Songling, the author of Strange Tales from a Lonely Studio, is a typical example.
The best way out for ancient literati is to engage in official business. Judging from the fact that Du Fu once worked as a junior official and an accompanying official in the imperial court, and both worked for a long time, Du Fu was obviously not good at this road. Therefore, his poverty is considered to be a very likely event.
Personality problems
In terms of personality, Du Fu is more honest and frank, but there are also some bitterness. All these are reflected in his literary works.
In the history of literature, Du Li and Bai Juyi are often respected in the poems of the prosperous Tang Dynasty. Li Bai's poems and songs are mainly romantic. Du Fu's poems are mainly realistic, such as the famous Three Miles and Three Treasures. These poems have made great contributions to the literary history of later generations and also to Du Fu? History of poetry? Another name for. But from the perspective of the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Du Fu's poems undoubtedly hit the emperor in the face.
It is not difficult to see Du Fu's character from this point, and we can also foresee the consequences of this role: even the emperor who can offend the emperor will certainly offend his friends. Even Yan Wu, a friend and minister who had helped Du Fu, was angry with him because of his personality.
So his personality restricted Du Fu's development.
Birth problem
If Du Fu's character and ability are not bad in the Tang Dynasty, the only way out is to learn from the old.
In fact, before the Tang Dynasty, there were many Wei and Jin Dynasties. Celebrity? Still living a decent life, later generations think it is free and relaxed. This is because the social structure in Wei and Jin Dynasties is different from that in Sui and Tang Dynasties. During the Wei and Jin Dynasties, there were? Infinite home? Tradition, so that many celebrities chewed it in their later years.
Du Fu's father is just a small official, and he has no conditions to make Du Fu old.