東坡詞 (Ci Poetry of Su Dong Po)

National Taiwan University via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/su-dongpo

Introduction

### Course Review: 東坡詞 (Ci Poetry of Su Dong Po) #### Overview The Coursera course on the Ci Poetry of Su Dong Po (東坡詞) is a captivating journey into the world of one of China’s greatest poets, Su Dong Po (often referred to as Su Shi). Designed to delve deep into the artistic and emotional landscapes of his notable works, such as "水調歌頭" (Prelude to Water Melody), "江城子" (River City), "定風波" (Calm Wind), and "念奴嬌" (Song of the Maid), this course offers a rich exploration of Su’s poetry that is both engaging and enlightening. With a teaching approach embraced by Professor Liu Shao-Hsiung from National Taiwan University, the course aims to foster an appreciation for the emotional depth and literary intricacies present in Su Dong Po's poetry. The course positions Su's work as both distant and intimately relatable, inviting participants to engage in this literary art form in a joyous and open-hearted manner. #### Course Structure The syllabus is meticulously structured into eight lectures, each focusing on different aspects of Su Dong Po's poetry: 1. **Word Forms and Human Emotions**: This introductory lecture sets the stage by discussing the lyrical nature of Ci poetry, explored through Su’s unique inner motivations and the importance of blending poetry and song. 2. **Emotional Depth in Su's Works**: The second lecture shifts focus to the themes of love, longing, and nostalgia, analyzing works from Su's early period in Hangzhou, allowing participants to connect with his emotional self-portrayal. 3. **Expanding Poetic Realms**: By examining pieces aligned with Su's transitions from Hangzhou to Mizhou, this lecture unveils his development in themes, emotional coping, and stylistic flourishes. 4. **Temporal and Spatial Reflections**: This segment encapsulates Su's contemplation on time and his existential musings through works like "永遇樂" (Forever Meeting) and "洞仙歌" (Song of the Cave Fairy) that echo his philosophical insights. 5. **Stylistic Choices**: In the fifth lecture, participants explore Su's balancing acts between freedom and constraint in his poetry, primarily comparing "念奴嬌" and "赤壁賦" (Red Cliffs) - including insights on thematic representation through varying literary forms. 6. **Reflections from Journeying**: The narrative of Su's life journey continues here, encouraging participants to meditate on the significance of self-discovery amid life's challenges through selected compositions. 7. **Object Poetry and Emotion**: The seventh lecture discusses Su's ability to convey deep emotional resonance through object-oriented poetry, emphasizing the use of personification and scenery. 8. **Drifting and Returning**: The concluding lecture emphasizes the emotional arc of Su's works, unearthing wisdom about finding peace amidst life’s unpredictability while revealing how literature can serve as a source of comfort and understanding. #### Recommendation I highly recommend the course "Ci Poetry of Su Dong Po" for anyone interested in Chinese literature, poetry enthusiasts, or those seeking a deeper understanding of emotional expression within literary arts. The course’s design allows learners to appreciate the depths of Su Dong Po’s work, offering insightful discussions, multimedia teaching methods, and engaging assignments that enhance the learning experience. **Pros:** - Comprehensive and well-structured curriculum allowing for in-depth analysis of each poem. - Access to an experienced professor and a supportive learning community. - Engaging format that mixes video lectures, discussions, and assignments. **Cons:** - The course might require some familiarity with Chinese literary history for full appreciation. - Non-Chinese speakers may find the nuanced meanings in translations challenging without additional resources. #### Final Thoughts Overall, this course encapsulates the beauty and profound emotionality of Su Dong Po’s poetry while enriching participants' literary sensibilities. Whether you're a seasoned scholar or a casual poetry lover, "東坡詞" promises to awaken and deepen your appreciation for one of history's most remarkable poetic figures. Sign up today and embark on this transformative literary journey!

Syllabus

課程資訊

本課程由臺灣大學劉少雄教授講授，旨在帶領大家賞讀東坡詞，兼顧作家與文體、情感與形式等多重詮釋面向，讓我們更了解東坡為詞的文學與人生意義，進而深入體察東坡的情意世界及其詞的美感特質。課程以影片的教學為主， 並搭配每週問題討論以及課後作業。

第一講：詞體與人情─東坡填詞的動因及其詞的特質

從文體的意義談起，進而論述詞作為一種抒情文體的特性與美感特質。有了這些認知，我們才能體會文學形式與作家情感的關係，並據此以探討東坡填詞的內在因素，同時理解其「以詩為詞」的重要意義。

第二講：詞情的深化─東坡「淚」與抒情自我的顯現

以東坡的早期詞——杭州時期作品——為講授重點。自杭州的詞樂環境、人情風光到東坡此時的宦途失意、悲歡情思，逐次辨析東坡早期詞的創作歷程，理解他如何由寫景酬唱到遣情入詞。而送別詞和思鄉詞的佳作也讓我們見到了東坡詞中抒情自我的顯現。

第三講： 詞境的開拓─由〈江城子〉到〈水調歌頭〉

以東坡由杭州到密州途中及密州時期的作品為主體，見其自我紓解的努力與詞境的開拓。透過〈沁園春·赴密州早行馬上寄子由〉、〈永遇樂·孫巨源以八月十五離海州⋯⋯〉，論述東坡清婉、雄豪詞風之形成；探析「十年生死兩茫茫」、「老夫聊發少年狂」兩首〈江城子〉，見其豪婉風格的確立；最後以〈水調歌頭〉為例，談東坡清曠詞風的出現。

第四講：時空的感喟─由〈永遇樂〉到〈洞仙歌〉

概論東坡密州徐州詞的時空意識，就時間、空間與自我的關係，分析東坡詞境的衍變。詳析〈永遇樂〉詞篇，體會其「古今如夢，何曾夢覺」的感嘆。簡述「烏臺詩案」，談論此案在東坡生命歷程的意義。本講的最後，則透過選讀〈洞仙歌〉，進一步體察東坡於黃州時期的時空意識。

第五講：文體的抉擇─由〈念奴嬌〉到〈赤壁賦〉

如何在自由與限制之中找到平衡？如何在變與不變之間覓得人生的定理？本講選讀東坡元豐五年的詞作〈念奴嬌〉、賦作前後〈赤壁賦〉，透過他對同一主題（赤壁）以不同文體（詞、賦）書寫的選擇，一則探索其情理掙扎、生命體悟，一則辨析文體抉擇的內外關係，從而了解文體的深切意義。

第六講：行旅的省思─由定風波到定風波

本講以〈蝶戀花〉、〈南歌子〉、〈寒食詩〉、〈定風波〉、〈浣溪沙〉、〈鷓鴣天〉、〈定風波〉等作品，依序帶領大家隨著東坡經歷人生的風雨晴陽，走過生命的幽暗深谷，觀察他如何在行動中體悟生命意義，在日常的行旅之中逐漸安定了心靈，悟得了「此心安處」的生命歸宿。

第七講：詠物與抒情─在物我交感中體證詞情的深度

本講主述東坡的詠物名篇：〈卜算子〉、〈雨中花慢〉、〈水龍吟〉、〈賀新郎〉、〈西江月〉，觀其詠物擬人、寫景述情，物事人情，若即若離，創立了新的抒情美典。從而體會東坡如何以詩的比興之法賦詞詠物，拓寬詞的內容，深化詞的抒情特性，更提升了詞的意境，並對後世影響深遠。

第八講：飄蕩與回歸─在人情世界中尋得心靈的安頓

詩詞的欣賞不只是瞭解意義，更是一種感動的歷程。我們讀東坡作品，讀到一種情理跌宕的姿態、一種生命境界的開拓，並深切體會此乃緣於對生命的熱愛與敬意。在課程的最終篇，我們將承續前面七講的脈絡，體會東坡文學中的悟境——如何在變與不變之中找到人生的定理？如何化解離情與鄉愁，尋覓真正的人生歸宿？且讓我們跟著東坡走一趟回家的路。