The Farming Culture Embodied in Tao Yuanming's Pastoral Poetry

The traditional interpretation of Tao Yuanming confines itself to his helping others when powerful enough;relying on oneself when in poverty.In fact,his acceptance of the appointment resulted from poverty and starvation while his resignation originated from his alienation in the officialdom because of his family background.Among the pastoral poets in ancient China,only his description of the pastoral world is both realistic and idyllic.His poetic style embodies rich farming culture.Thus,Tao Yuanming is on a par with the greatest poets like Qu Yuan,Li Bai and Du Pu in the history of Chinese poetry.