On Literary Presentation of Zhao Mengfu's Psychological State as a Yuan Dynasty Official in His Songxuezhaiwenji

This thesis focuses on the literary presentation of Songxuezhaweniji,a collection of poetry,calligraphy and painting by the noted Yuan Dynasty poet Zhao Mengfu (a Southern Song imperial clansman),which reflects his psychological state as a famous official of the Yuan Dynasty,who has been criticized for being disloyal to his country. Zhao's service as an official goes back to 1286 when the first Yuan Dynasty emperor Kublai Khan sent an official to southern china on the mission inviting adherents of the Southern Song Dynasty to serve for the Yuan court at the capital (today's Beijing). The fact is that Zhao had received this invitation before he knew the truth. In addition,it was not his first choice to be an official the Yuan imperial court,which did not compel him to do so. By now no existent records have ever shown Zhao's refusal or hesitation. His decision was made mainly because of his ideal of participating in politics,instead of what has been described as any psychological contradiction or pressure. The subtle changes in Zhao's psychology can be reflected in his different modes of narration about his official career in his poetry and prose. Zhao's writings feature four modes of narration about his being a court official: (1) He was caught by the Yuan imperial court,which is far from being true. (2) He received the invitation by mistake,which indicates his regret. (3) He,as a hermit,was recommended by the emperor,which suggests his recognition of the Yuan Dynasty as a hermit-official symbolized the times of peace and prosperity. (4) He was promoted from a commoner to an imperial official. The fourth mode meant Zhao's glory despite the previous three modes reflecting psychological contradictions to some extent. These modes of narration were used in Zhao's different political situations. Specifically,while in a bad situation,he preferred the first or second mode. When he achieved both success and fame,he preferred the last two modes. What's more,this is how Zhao glorified himself in looking back on his past experience. His potential intention was to avoid the struggle in his innermost world,obtain psychological balance and gratification,and remove all psychological contradictions. There are two kinds of narration about Zhao's official career. (1) The first one is dedicated to the expression of admiration for hermitage and of his lofty ideal. It suggests his self-evaluation and self-judgment,as well as his desire for self-recognition and recognition by others. (2) The second one is about his intention to perform meritorious deeds and his being eager for the life of a hermit. His intention best reflects his ignoring his status of a Southern Song imperial clansman and possible criticism against him made by people of his generation and later generations. Therefore,Zhao's shift from a deep sorrow for the fall of the Song Dynasty to a deep sigh with emotion,and his warm praise of the new government of the Yuan Dynasty can find expression in his works. In addition,his eagerness to lead the life of a hermit is represented in four perspectives: (1) a pastoral life in his native home; (2) inflexible daily routine; (3) jealousies by other officials; and (4) reluctance to give up the emperor's favor. The above modes of narration reflect conflicts between self-approval and self-denial in Zhao's inner world. These conflicts not only contribute to his achievements in art and literature but also represent the typical psychological characteristics of those adherents of the Song Dynasty who served for the Yuan dynasty.