A Probe into Ci-Fu Writing in the Late Southern Song Dynasty

The style of ci and fu in the late Southern Song Dynasty proves unique for several reasons.Neo-Confucianism exerted a profound impact upon this field by reforming the literati's knowledge structure and cognitive style.Absence of lofty aspirations in the spiritual world of the literary circle resulted in the prevalence of religious passion and inclination in the writings;Villeggiatura turned out to be the last resort for literary men in political disorders and thus natural lyrics were no more a medium to escape the world but a reflection of the beauty of essence.In the pessimistic atmosphere of doomsday,ci and fu sang of the troubled times and the conquered nation,mirroring people's indignation at the ruling class and hopelessness about future.Just because the country waned in influence,the Neo-Confucianism took as its political ideal strengthening ethic and reviving mores,hence the tendency to write in the vein of positivism and humanism.