Qu Yuan << choo yoo ahn >> (340?-278? B.C.), also spelled Ch’u Yuan, was one of the greatest and most influential poets of ancient China. He is the first Chinese poet who is known by name. His imaginative and original poetry inspired many early Chinese poets.
Qu Yuan was born in the state of Chu, in central China, where his family were aristocrats. While still in his 20’s, he was a favored counselor of King Huai, the ruler of Chu. Qu Yuan advocated reformist policies, including appointing wise and able people and exercising rule by law. Rival officials plotted against him, and he was sent into exile. During his exile, he wandered through the southern portion of Chu, composing poetry and observing the folk rituals and legends that helped shape his writing. After the army of Qin captured the capital city of Chu, he felt it was impossible to save his country. Later, he took his own life by drowning himself in the Miluo River. China’s Dragon Boat Festival, held in the spring, commemorates his suicide.
During his lifetime, Qu Yuan created highly expressive poetry of a new type. The poems collected in the Songs of Chu reflected the best of Chu’s folk songs and legends. The poems of Qu Yuan include “Heavenly Questions,” “Nine Songs,” and “Nine Chapters.” Li Sao (Encountering Sorrow) is Qu Yuan’s best-known work. The long, melancholy poem is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese literature because of its exquisite language and its richness of imagination.
