On the Thought of Ci-Poetry in Ming Dynasty

The thought of Ci of Ming Dynasty includes three parts. First, it sticks firmly to the difference between poetry and Ci, emphasizing that poetry expresses one's will and Ci one's feelings. Poetry is supposed to be cultivated while Ci to be popular. Secondly, it posits the primacy of gracefulness over unrestraint in style. The sense of Xiaodao and Beiti in composing Ci is predominant. Conjoining Song and Yuan Dynasties and Qing Dynasties, the thought of Ming Dynasty has great influence upon the sense of Ci of Qing Dynasty. As a link of the chain of Ci history, the thought of Ci of Ming Dynasty deserves a special place.